Description
Try this Crock Pot American Goulash for an easy, comforting slow cooker meal with ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato flavor.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 small sweet onion, finely diced
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1 green pepper, finely diced (optional)
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2 teaspoons minced garlic
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24-ounce jar pasta sauce (e.g., Rao’s Roasted Garlic)
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8-ounce can tomato sauce
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15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
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1 cup water
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1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
Instructions
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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