Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners, slow cooker goulash delivers bold flavor while keeping preparation simple. With tender ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and pasta slowly cooked together, every spoonful is warm, rich, and comforting.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect slow cooker goulash, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and helpful cooking tips.

Ingredients

The beauty of goulash lies in its simplicity. A few basic ingredients combine to create a hearty meal.

Main Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan or in the ‘sear and stew’ base of your slow cooker. Add 200 grams (½ lb) half the beef, to the pan and cook over a high heat until browned.
2. Remove the beef to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the remaining 200 grams (½ lb) of beef to the pan and cook until browned, then remove to the plate.
3. Turn down the heat and add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the pan. Peel and slice a large onion and add this with 1 finely chopped clove of garlic.
4. Cook until the onion and garlic have softened.
5. Add 1 tbsp of plain (all purpose) flour and 1 tbsp of paprika to the onion and garlic, cook stirring for 1 minute.
6. Pour on 300 ml (½ pint) beef stock and bring to simmer, stirring.
7. Add 1 x 400 gram (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato puree (paste) and 1 tsp salt.
8. Return the beef to the pan.
9. Bring to the boil then either spoon the beef and sauce into your slow cooker or return the ‘sear and stew’ pan to your slow cooker.
10. Cook for 4 hours on LOW.
11. After 4 hours deseed 1 red pepper and remove the stalk. Cut the pepper in half and then cut each half into six pieces. Add the pepper pieces to the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for a further 1 hour.
12. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
13. Serve topped with sour cream, a sprinkling of paprika and chopped parsley. I like to serve crusty bread with my goulash but noodles, mashed potatoes, tagliatelli pasta, rice or polenta are all delicious with this rich stew.

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ cup corn or peas

Why These Ingredients Work

Ground Beef: Provides rich flavor and protein.
Tomatoes: Create the base of the savory sauce.
Paprika: Adds depth and warmth.
Beef Broth: Enhances the meatiness of the dish.
Pasta: Absorbs the sauce, making every bite flavorful.

How To Make Slow Cooker Goulash

Follow these steps for a delicious and easy slow cooker goulash.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

Add garlic during the final minute of cooking.

This step adds flavor and prevents greasy sauce.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker.

Add:

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Sauce

Cover and cook on:

• LOW for 4–5 hours
  or
• HIGH for 2–3 hours

This allows the flavors to develop and blend together.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.

Cover and continue cooking until pasta is tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve hot with extra cheese or fresh herbs.

You Must Know

These tips ensure your slow cooker goulash turns out perfect every time.