American Goulash Recipes Crockpot Simple

American Goulash Recipes Crockpot Simple — A One-Pot Dinner You’ll Crave Every Week

There’s something magical about a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. For me, that dish has always been goulash. Growing up, my grandmother made a version of Hungarian goulash that was hearty, rich, and always served with dumplings. As I got older, I discovered American goulash — a cousin of the traditional stew — that swaps dumplings for pasta and feels more like a comforting pasta-meets-soup dish. When I started experimenting in my own kitchen, I quickly realized that making American goulash recipes crockpot simple is the easiest way to bring back those cozy, nostalgic flavors without standing over the stove for hours.

This one-pot dinner has become a staple in my home, especially during the fall and winter months. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and packed with rich flavors that only get better as they simmer in the slow cooker. Today, I’ll share my favorite recipe, my personal cooking tips, and even a few product recommendations that have made my crockpot cooking so much easier.

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What Is American Goulash?

When people hear “goulash,” they often think of traditional Hungarian goulash crockpot recipes. That’s understandable — Hungarian goulash is a beloved dish across Europe, known for its deep paprika flavor and hearty chunks of beef, often served with dumplings. It’s more of a hearty beef stew or soup than a pasta dish, and it’s truly a comfort food classic.

American goulash, on the other hand, is simpler and more budget-friendly. Instead of stew meat, it uses ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta — usually elbow macaroni. It’s sometimes called “American chop suey,” especially in New England. While it may not be as authentic as Hungarian goulash, it has its own charm: quick, adaptable, and family-friendly.

Why Make Goulash in a Crockpot?

I’ll be honest: I used to make goulash on the stovetop, but once I discovered the crockpot method, I never looked back. Cooking goulash in a slow cooker has so many benefits:

• Hands-off cooking: Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it.
• Deeper flavor: The long, slow cooking process allows spices and aromatics to meld beautifully.
• Perfect for busy schedules: Whether you’re working from home or running errands, the crockpot does the heavy lifting.
• Fall and winter favorite: Nothing beats coming home to the smell of a hearty goulash simmering away on a chilly evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the exact recipe I make at least twice a month. It’s a balance between traditional goulash flavors and the ease of the American version.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (I use lean, 85/15 for the best flavor)
• 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, adds depth)
• 1 tablespoon paprika (use Hungarian if you can for a nod to the authentic version)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or gluten-free pasta for a gluten free option)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Crockpot Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a skillet, cook 2 pounds ground beef with diced onions until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat. This step is important to prevent greasy goulash later.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add the cooked beef and onions to your slow cooker. Stir in minced garlic, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Your house will smell incredible as it simmers away.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. If you’re making this ahead of time or plan to freeze it, I recommend cooking the pasta separately to avoid sogginess.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once the pasta is tender, ladle the goulash into bowls. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Variations & Add-Ons

One of my favorite things about goulash is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun variations:

• Hungarian goulash crockpot style: Use stew beef instead of ground, add extra paprika, and skip the pasta. Serve with bread or dumplings for a more authentic flavor.
• Hearty beef stew version: Add potatoes, carrots, and celery for a thicker stew-like consistency.
• Gluten free option: Swap macaroni for rice or gluten-free pasta.
• Healthy option: Use ground turkey or chicken, add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Soup-style: Add an extra cup of broth to make it more like a goulash soup.

Chef’s Recommended Kitchen Essentials (Amazon Favorites)

Over the years, I’ve realized that the right tools can make or break your cooking experience. Here are three products I personally use when making goulash in my slow cooker:

1. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker

This is the slow cooker I’ve been using for years. The 7-quart size is perfect for big-batch cooking — whether you’re making goulash, chili, or even a hearty beef stew. Cleanup is easy, and it’s super reliable.

If you don’t already have a dependable crockpot, I highly recommend this one. It’s a true kitchen workhorse.

2. Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Browning meat before it goes into the crockpot is essential for flavor. A cast iron skillet like this one creates the perfect sear on ground beef or stew meat. Plus, it lasts a lifetime if cared for properly.

Invest in this skillet and you’ll never look back — it’s one of the best tools for achieving rich, authentic flavor.

3. Oxo Good Grips Garlic Press

Garlic is a must in goulash, but mincing it can be a chore. This garlic press makes the job quick, clean, and efficient. I use it almost daily in my kitchen.

Save yourself time (and sticky garlic fingers) with this press — it’s worth every penny.

Serving Ideas

The beauty of goulash is how easily it fits into different dinners:

• Serve it as a hearty meal with crusty bread.
• Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
• For a traditional twist, try serving the Hungarian version with homemade dumplings.
• Freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers for quick weeknight dinners.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Crockpot Goulash

• Don’t skip browning the meat — it makes all the difference in flavor.
• Add pasta at the end to avoid mushiness.
• For a thicker goulash, reduce the broth slightly. For a soup-like dinner, add more broth.
• If you want more of an authentic Hungarian flavor, double the paprika and add caraway seeds.
• To keep it healthy, use lean ground beef and sneak in vegetables.

Why You’ll Crave This Every Week

This dish has become my go-to for busy weeknights and cozy weekends. It’s budget-friendly, incredibly flavorful, and adaptable to suit whatever you have in the pantry. Most importantly, it brings back memories of family meals around the table — a reminder that food is more than just fuel, it’s comfort and connection.

Every time I make this goulash, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s kitchen, the warmth of a slow-cooked traditional meal, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. That’s why I believe this is one of the best crockpot recipes you can keep in your rotation.

So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this American goulash recipes crockpot simple a try. I promise — it’s one you’ll crave every single week.