Crock Pot American Goulash is a comforting dish that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, often reminding you of family dinners gathered around the table. This hearty one-pot meal features ground beef and pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday afternoons. The slow-cooker method ensures that the flavors blend beautifully, making every bite as delightful as the last.
Why We Love This Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe
There’s so much to love about this Crock Pot American Goulash recipe. First and foremost, it combines convenience and comfort in one dish. You can throw together the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work. The result is a satisfying meal filled with savory flavors that the whole family will enjoy. Additionally, it’s versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or spices to personalize it. Perfect for a busy night or meal prep, this dish offers a delicious taste of home without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients about Crock Pot American Goulash
To create the deliciousness of Crock Pot American Goulash, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 1 green pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 24 ounces pasta sauce (preferably Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 15 ounces petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
How to Make Crock Pot American Goulash Directions
Making Crock Pot American Goulash is straightforward and hassle-free. Here’s how you do it:
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the meat as it cooks. You want it to brown evenly and lose its pink color. This process typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add the finely diced onion and optional green pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Drain the Grease: After the meat and vegetables have cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step will prevent your dish from becoming too oily.
- Transfer to the Crock Pot: Carefully transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Mix in the Sauces: Stir in the minced garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, and petite diced tomatoes. Adding these ingredients will give your goulash its rich tomato base.
- Adjust Consistency: Pour in 1 cup of water to adjust the consistency of the sauce. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully throughout the cooking process.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir in the granulated sugar. The sugar will balance the acidity of the tomatoes while enhancing the overall flavor.
- Set the Crock Pot: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and meld in a way that simply can’t be rushed.
- Cook the Pasta: When the cooking time is almost up, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is coated in the sauce and submerged. Cover again and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give everything one last stir before serving. Scoop out portions into bowls, and enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade Crock Pot American Goulash!
How to Serve Crock Pot American Goulash
Serving Crock Pot American Goulash is simple and can be a delightful experience. Start by ladling generous portions into bowls. You might consider garnishing each serving with grated cheese, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to add that extra touch. Pairing it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread can elevate the meal by providing a perfect tool for scooping up those saucy bits. A simple green salad can also complement the dish, providing a fresh crunch and balancing out the hearty goulash.
This recipe is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s filling enough to stand alone, yet versatile enough to be served alongside various sides, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot American Goulash
- Browning the Meat is Key: Take your time to brown the beef well as it adds depth to the flavor of your goulash.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you find the sauce is too acidic for your taste, feel free to add a little more sugar or even a splash of honey to balance it out.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Adding uncooked elbow macaroni in the last hour of cooking prevents it from becoming mushy. You want it to retain a nice bite.
- Get Creative with Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. Not only will it add nutrition, but also a lovely variety of textures.
- Flavor Boosters: If you prefer a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.
How to Store Crock Pot American Goulash
Storing your leftover Crock Pot American Goulash is easy. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftovers. Place the cooled goulash in a freezer-safe container and it can last up to 3 months.
When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or sauce during reheating to regain moisture.
Variation of Crock Pot American Goulash
Variations of Crock Pot American Goulash are plentiful, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Different Pastas: While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to experiment with various pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Protein Swaps: If you’re looking for a different protein, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This will make your dish lighter and a bit healthier.
- Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, skip the meat and replace it with chopped mushrooms or lentils for protein. You may want to tweak the cooking time to ensure the lentils are cooked through.
- Cheesy Goulash: To add a gooey element to your meal, mix in some shredded cheese into the slow cooker about 15 minutes before it’s done cooking. This will create a delicious cheesy layer.
- Spicy Goulash: For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier pasta sauce. This will give your goulash a nice kick!
FAQ
What is the key to making a great Crock Pot American Goulash?
The key to making a delicious Crock Pot American Goulash is to properly brown your meat and seasoning the sauce well. Allowing everything to simmer slowly in the crock pot will enhance the flavors and make the dish truly satisfying.
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot American Goulash?
Cooking time for Crock Pot American Goulash varies depending on your setting; you can opt for low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-4 hours. Make sure to add in the elbow macaroni during the last hour of cooking for the best texture.
Can I use whole wheat pasta in my goulash?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat pasta in your goulash. Keep in mind that whole wheat pasta may require slight adjustments in cooking time, so check for doneness as you approach the last 30 minutes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Crock Pot American Goulash is very kid-friendly; its comforting flavors and appealing texture make it a favorite among children. They often enjoy the simplicity of pasta and the rich tomato sauce.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can double the recipe to serve a larger group. Just be mindful of the size of your slow cooker; it should have enough capacity to handle the increased ingredients. Adjust your cooking time slightly if needed, ensuring everything is cooked thoroughly.
Dive into the delicious world of Crock Pot American Goulash today, and let this comforting dish warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Crock Pot American Goulash
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 1 piece green pepper, finely diced (optional) Optional ingredient for added flavor.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 24 ounces pasta sauce (preferably Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce) Choose your favorite type of pasta sauce.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 15 ounces petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water Used to adjust the sauce consistency.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni Add to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until it loses its pink color.
- Add the finely diced onion and optional green pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker.
- Stir in the minced garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, and petite diced tomatoes.
- Pour in 1 cup of water to adjust the sauce's consistency.
- Season with Italian seasoning and stir in the granulated sugar.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together, cover, and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
Serving
- Give everything one last stir before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
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