Slow Cooker Goulash
A Hearty, Hands-Off Comfort Meal That Feels Like Home
There are some dishes that instantly signal comfort.
They don’t need fancy ingredients or elaborate techniques. They just need time — time for flavors to deepen, for aromas to fill the kitchen, and for simple components to transform into something far more satisfying than the sum of their parts.
Slow Cooker Goulash is one of those dishes.
Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, this version of goulash is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for busy days, cold evenings, or anytime you want a dependable dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
What Is Goulash, Really?
Goulash has many interpretations depending on where you’re eating it.
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Traditional Hungarian goulash is a paprika-rich stew with chunks of beef
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American goulash, the version many people grew up with, is a hearty combination of ground meat, tomatoes, pasta, and spices
This slow cooker version leans toward the American comfort-food style, adapted for modern kitchens and long, gentle cooking.
It’s familiar, forgiving, and endlessly customizable.
Why Make Goulash in a Slow Cooker?
The slow cooker turns a stovetop classic into an effortless meal.
Benefits of the Slow Cooker Method:
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Hands-off cooking
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Deeper, more developed flavors
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No need to babysit the pot
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Perfect for busy schedules
Low, slow heat allows the sauce to thicken naturally and the flavors to blend beautifully.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Main Ingredients
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Ground beef (or ground turkey)
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Onion
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Garlic
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Bell pepper
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Canned diced tomatoes
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Tomato sauce
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Beef broth
Flavor Builders
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Paprika (sweet or smoked)
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Italian seasoning
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Bay leaf
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Salt and black pepper
Pasta & Cheese
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Elbow macaroni
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Shredded cheddar or mozzarella
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Ground Meat
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Ground beef (80/20) offers richness
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Ground turkey or chicken works for a lighter version
Paprika
Paprika is essential — it gives goulash its signature warmth.
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Sweet paprika for classic flavor
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Smoked paprika for depth
Pasta
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can also use:
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Shells
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Rotini
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Penne
Avoid very thin pasta — it can turn mushy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat (Highly Recommended)
Although you can skip this step, browning adds depth.
In a skillet over medium heat:
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Cook ground meat until browned
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Drain excess fat
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Transfer to slow cooker
This prevents greasy goulash and boosts flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet:
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Sauté chopped onion until soft
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Add garlic and bell pepper
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Cook briefly until fragrant
Transfer to slow cooker.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add to the slow cooker:
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Diced tomatoes
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Tomato sauce
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Beef broth
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Paprika
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Italian seasoning
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Bay leaf
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Salt and pepper
Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
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Low for 6–7 hours
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High for 3–4 hours
This allows flavors to deepen and mellow.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving:
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Stir in uncooked pasta
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Ensure it’s submerged in liquid
Cook until pasta is tender.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Once pasta is cooked:
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Remove bay leaf
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Stir in shredded cheese
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Cover for 5–10 minutes until melted
The cheese adds richness and body.
Texture & Flavor Expectations
The finished goulash should be:
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Thick but saucy
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Hearty and filling
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Balanced between savory and mildly sweet
If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth.
If too thin, leave uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with:
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Crusty bread
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Garlic toast
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Simple green salad
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Steamed vegetables
It’s perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make Ahead
Goulash tastes even better the next day.
Prepare fully, cool, and refrigerate.
Storing
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Refrigerator: up to 4 days
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Freezer: up to 3 months (freeze without pasta for best texture)
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding liquid if needed.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Goulash
Add:
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Crushed red pepper
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Hot paprika
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Diced jalapeños
Vegetable-Loaded
Add:
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Zucchini
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Mushrooms
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Spinach
Cheesy Bake Finish
Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil.
Hungarian-Inspired Twist
Use:
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Beef chunks instead of ground meat
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Extra paprika
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No pasta
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Adding pasta too early
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Skipping seasoning adjustments
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Using too little liquid
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Overcooking pasta
Small timing changes make a big difference.
Why This Recipe Works
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Simple ingredients
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Flexible cooking time
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Crowd-friendly flavors
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Budget-conscious
It’s a meal that fits real life.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Goulash is comfort food at its best — uncomplicated, filling, and deeply satisfying.
It’s the kind of dish that:
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Feeds a crowd
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Stretches leftovers
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Gets requested again
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and reliable, this recipe delivers every time.
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