Hearty Crock Pot American Goulash for Easy Family Dinners 🍲🥄✨
1. Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite comfort food—Hearty Crock Pot American Goulash! This slow cooker goulash recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Famous for its tender beef, savory tomato sauce, and hearty pasta, this dish embodies classic American goulash at its best. Using your crock pot to make this beef goulash ensures the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience that the whole family will love.
2. Ingredients for Authentic American Goulash
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
3. How to Make Classic Crock Pot Goulash
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion and mince the garlic. This step sets the foundation for a flavorful beef goulash.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to your crock pot to begin the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Add chopped onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Cook on Low for 4-6 Hours
Set your crock pot to low and let the mixture cook for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld perfectly, ensuring a rich and hearty beef goulash.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Finish Cooking
Add the uncooked pasta to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well, cover, and cook until the pasta is tender. If needed, add extra beef broth or water to keep the dish saucy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve your delicious crock pot American goulash hot, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Goulash
Allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best American Goulash Experience
This hearty beef goulash pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. For added nutrition, serve with roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli. To make the meal even more indulgent, consider topping with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About American Goulash
Can I make this crock pot goulash gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the traditional pasta with gluten-free options like rice pasta or spiralized vegetables for a gluten-free beef goulash.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely. Store leftovers in airtight containers, and reheat when needed. The flavors often deepen after freezing, making it even tastier.
How long does it take to prepare this slow cooker goulash?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, and the slow cooking process is 4-6 hours. Overall, it’s an easy meal to set and forget!
Can I add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots?
Yes! Feel free to customize your beef goulash with additional vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Make cooking this beef goulash effortless with a reliable slow cooker that can handle larger batches for family dinners.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Perfect for browning the beef and preparing your ingredients with ease, this nonstick cookware set elevates your cooking experience.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Streamline your prep work with this versatile vegetable chopper—perfect for onions, garlic, and more.
- King Arthur Baking Ultimate Bread Baker’s Cookbook: Explore more delicious recipes to serve alongside your American goulash or for other culinary adventures.
8. Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal, this American Goulash made in your crock pot offers unbeatable flavor and convenience. Its rich tomato-based sauce, tender beef, and hearty pasta make it a timeless classic that everyone will request again and again. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make dish that will become a staple in your dinner rotation!
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Hearty Crock Pot American Goulash for Easy Family Dinners
A hearty and flavorful American Goulash cooked in a slow cooker, combining ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and seasonings for a perfect family-friendly meal.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Add uncooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring well.
- Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Stir in shredded cheese before serving for a creamy touch.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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