This Slow Cooker Goulash is the epitome of comfort food – a rich blend of ground beef, rotini pasta, and sharp cheddar cheese, all simmered together to create a hearty and satisfying meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and filling.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this goulash is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese makes each bite a delight. Serve it with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef (80/20)
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1 large onion, chopped
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1 tablespoon garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 teaspoons paprika (sweet or smoked)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried marjoram
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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6 ounces tomato paste
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14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
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4 cups beef broth (or chicken)
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15 oz rotini pasta (uncooked)
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4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Directions:
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.
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Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, marjoram, basil, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), and beef broth. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 5–6 hours.
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About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked rotini pasta to the slow cooker. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the pasta is tender.
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Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
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Serve hot, ideally with a side salad and crusty bread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (high) or 6 hours 15 minutes (low)
Kcal: 715 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings
A Deep Dive Into Slow Cooker Goulash: A Comfort Food Classic
Slow Cooker Goulash is one of those timeless dishes that blends simplicity, heartiness, and rich flavor into a single pot. Its appeal lies not just in how easy it is to prepare, but also in its versatility and ability to feed a hungry crowd with minimal effort. This American-style version of goulash, made with ground beef, rotini pasta, tomato sauce, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese, is a far cry from its Hungarian roots, but it has become a staple in many households across the United States.
This dish, often associated with weeknight dinners and family gatherings, is beloved for its comforting, homey nature. Using a slow cooker allows for a hands-off approach that builds deep flavor over time—making it ideal for busy families, new cooks, or anyone craving something warm and filling without standing over a stove for hours.
The History Behind Goulash
Traditional goulash hails from Hungary, where it originated as a meat and vegetable stew, seasoned generously with paprika and other spices. Hungarian goulash is typically brothy, sometimes closer to a soup than a stew, and often includes beef shank, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It’s slow-cooked and meant to showcase the deep, smoky sweetness of paprika.
The American adaptation of goulash took a different turn. It evolved in the early 20th century, likely as a result of immigrant fusion and convenience. Instead of whole cuts of meat, ground beef became the protein of choice, and elbow macaroni or rotini replaced root vegetables. Tomatoes or tomato sauce were added for tang and richness, and over time, cheese became a popular addition. What resulted is less of a stew and more of a cheesy pasta dish with the soul of goulash.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Goulash?
There are many ways to make goulash, including stovetop versions, baked casseroles, or even Instant Pot options. However, using a slow cooker enhances the depth of flavor by giving the ingredients ample time to mingle and develop a rich, well-rounded taste.
The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender, the spices to bloom gradually, and the tomatoes to caramelize slightly, deepening their natural sweetness. The broth infuses everything with a savory base that makes each bite feel like a warm hug.
Furthermore, slow cooking requires minimal babysitting. Once the initial ingredients are browned and combined, the slow cooker takes over, freeing you up for other activities. It’s the ideal “set it and forget it” method for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Nutritional Value and Health Considerations
While Slow Cooker Goulash isn’t typically marketed as a health food, it can certainly be part of a balanced diet. The dish is high in protein thanks to the ground beef and cheese, and the tomatoes provide vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants like lycopene.
If you’re looking to make it healthier, there are several easy modifications:
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Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce saturated fat.
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Substitute whole wheat or lentil pasta for added fiber and protein.
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Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional profile.
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Use reduced-fat cheese or nutritional yeast for a lighter cheesy flavor.
These tweaks allow you to enjoy all the comfort of the original dish with a bit less guilt.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Goulash is a standalone dish that’s hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple sides that add freshness or texture.
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash. A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls helps mop up the saucy goodness. For something a little extra, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a tangy cucumber salad to brighten the palate.
This dish is also excellent for potlucks and family gatherings. It reheats beautifully and can be kept warm in the slow cooker for hours, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event.
Storage and Leftovers
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Goulash is how well it stores. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
For longer storage, this dish freezes well. Divide into single-serving portions, allow to cool completely, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce during reheating.
Common Variations
There’s no single way to make goulash, and that’s one of its biggest strengths. Here are some popular variations that allow you to tailor it to your taste:
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Tex-Mex Goulash: Add chili powder, cumin, and black beans, and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
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Vegetarian Goulash: Replace the beef with lentils or crumbled tofu, and bulk it up with mushrooms and bell peppers.
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Italian Goulash: Add Italian sausage instead of beef, use marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella and parmesan.
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Creamy Goulash: Stir in a bit of sour cream or heavy cream before serving for a richer, silkier sauce.
Each of these versions brings something unique to the table while preserving the dish’s essential comfort factor.
Why This Dish Resonates with So Many
At its core, goulash represents nostalgia. It reminds many people of meals their parents or grandparents made—simple, filling, and always made with love. The smell of it cooking in a slow cooker throughout the day adds to the anticipation, making it as much an experience as it is a meal.
It also appeals to all age groups. Kids love the cheesy pasta, adults appreciate the deep flavors, and home cooks love how low-effort yet rewarding it is to prepare. It’s one of those recipes that can be passed down, reinvented, and made uniquely yours every time.
Conclusion: A Modern Comfort Food Staple
Slow Cooker Goulash is more than just a convenient meal—it’s a flavorful homage to culinary evolution. From its Hungarian roots to its current American-style comfort food status, this dish is a symbol of adaptability, resourcefulness, and tradition. Its rich, cheesy, tomato-infused flavor brings people together around the dinner table, offering nourishment not only for the body but also for the soul.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight, hosting a casual dinner with friends, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers satisfaction in every spoonful. It’s cozy, customizable, and irresistibly comforting—a true must-have in every home cook’s slow cooker repertoire.