Introduction to the Recipe

American Goulash is a nostalgic, hearty one-pot meal that’s loved for its rich tomato flavor, tender ground beef, and soft elbow macaroni. This Crock Pot American Goulash version brings all the comforting flavors of the classic dish into the convenience of slow cooking — making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.

What makes this recipe a standout is its deep, savory flavor developed over hours of slow cooking. With ground beef, sweet onions, and optional green peppers cooked low and slow in a blend of pasta sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, the result is a rich, thick stew-like dish that clings to every piece of pasta. The added Italian seasoning and sugar enhance the tomato base while garlic brings out the best in the beef.

This dish is similar to what many may know as American Chop Suey, a beloved comfort food in New England, but it’s also related in name to Hungarian Goulash, which is a completely different, paprika-laden dish. If you’re interested in how American goulash differs from other one-pot pasta dishes, check out this breakdown of pasta casseroles.

The best part? With minimal prep and your slow cooker doing most of the work, you get a deeply flavorful meal with very little effort. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Let’s jump into how to make this classic the easy Crock Pot way.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Crock Pot American Goulash

Author: Sarah White

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Description

Try this Crock Pot American Goulash for an easy, comforting slow cooker meal with ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 small sweet onion, finely diced
1 green pepper, finely diced (optional)

2 teaspoons minced garlic
24-ounce jar pasta sauce (e.g., Rao’s Roasted Garlic)
8-ounce can tomato sauce

15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
1 cup water
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

Instructions

Brown the beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat.

Sauté vegetables:
Add diced onion, green pepper (if using), and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens.
Transfer to Crock Pot:
Pour the cooked beef and vegetable mixture into the Crock Pot.
Add tomato base:
Stir in the pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Mix well.

Slow cook:
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours to develop flavor.
Add pasta:
Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking. Cover and continue to cook until pasta is tender.
Stir and serve:
Once the pasta is fully cooked, give everything a good stir. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or shredded cheese.

Notes

Add pasta later to prevent it from overcooking or turning mushy.

You can use other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini if you don’t have elbows.

For extra richness, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

Keywords: Crock Pot American Goulash

Advanced Techniques

Layering Flavors with Aromatics

While this dish is simple, sautéing garlic and onion with the beef before adding to the Crock Pot builds a strong base flavor. Let the onions become translucent and just begin to caramelize — this step deepens the savory profile of the goulash.

Preventing Mushy Pasta in the Crock Pot

Always add pasta during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking. If it sits too long, it will absorb too much liquid and turn soft or gluey. For best results, check the pasta after 25 minutes to get the perfect al dente texture.

Making it Creamy or Cheesy

If you prefer a creamier goulash, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a few dollops of sour cream before serving. You can also melt in 1–2 cups of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack for a cheesy twist.

Doubling for Meal Prep or Potlucks

This recipe scales up well. Simply double the ingredients (except pasta — add to taste). Make sure your Crock Pot has enough space (6–8 quarts) to accommodate the extra volume. It reheats beautifully for leftovers or packed lunches.

Customizing for Heat or Spice

Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or even hot sauce to give the dish a little kick. Alternatively, stir in smoked paprika for a smoky note that deepens the flavor profile without adding heat.

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Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers

Cool completely, then transfer goulash to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor improves after a day as everything melds.

Freezing for Later

Let the goulash cool fully. Freeze in portioned, airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until hot. Avoid overheating to keep the pasta from breaking apart.

Keeping Pasta from Over-Absorbing Sauce

If storing overnight, the pasta may absorb more liquid and thicken the dish. Add a splash of broth or tomato sauce before reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.

Batch Cooking Without Pasta

Want more control over the texture? Cook the goulash base and pasta separately. Combine only when ready to serve or pack for lunch — this avoids soggy pasta and extends fridge life.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure your pasta sauce and canned products are gluten-free. Check all labels — many sauces contain hidden thickeners.

Low-Carb/Keto Option

Swap out pasta entirely and serve the goulash over spiralized zucchini, steamed cauliflower, or shirataki noodles. You can also reduce the sugar or omit it completely.

Vegetarian Adaptation

Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Make sure to sauté onions and garlic first for maximum flavor, and consider adding mushrooms for umami.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Option

Follow the vegetarian version above and avoid cheese or cream-based toppings. Use vegan-friendly sauces and add olive oil for richness.

Adding More Vegetables

Bulk up the nutrition by adding diced carrots, celery, mushrooms, or spinach. Add tougher veggies early and greens toward the end to retain their color and texture.

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I use uncooked ground beef in the Crock Pot?

While you can, it’s recommended to brown the beef first. This step adds flavor and removes excess grease, improving both taste and texture in the final dish.

What if I don’t have pasta sauce?

Substitute with crushed tomatoes or a combination of tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. You can also make your own quick sauce by simmering garlic, onion, and herbs in tomato puree.

Is this the same as Hungarian goulash?

No. American Goulash uses ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta. Hungarian goulash is a paprika-based stew with beef chunks and no pasta. The two share a name but differ greatly.

How can I make it creamier?

Add ½ cup of cream, sour cream, or shredded cheese before serving. This softens the tomato acidity and gives a silky finish to the sauce.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Penne, shells, or rotini all work well. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti — short shapes hold the sauce better and cook more evenly in the slow cooker.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Crock Pot American Goulash is the kind of hearty, nostalgic recipe that never goes out of style. It’s affordable, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, infusing each bite with rich tomato flavor, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta.

This recipe is endlessly flexible — whether you’re customizing it with vegetables, turning up the heat, or adapting it for special diets, it always delivers. It’s a one-pot wonder that feeds a crowd, makes great leftovers, and brings comfort to the table every time.

Perfect for chilly nights, busy school weeks, or whenever you need a low-effort meal with maximum flavor, Crock Pot American Goulash deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.