Easy Slow Cooker Beef Macaroni Goulash Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or red pepper flakes when layering the canned tomatoes. These small additions can brighten the overall profile of the dish without requiring extra prep time.

If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a small amount of warm water or beef stock alongside the pasta during the final hour of cooking to reach your desired consistency.

Serve this goulash in wide, shallow bowls to allow the cheese to stay melted and visible. A side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad provides a nice contrast to the soft, comforting texture of the pasta and beef.

Ensure the dish is served hot, as the flavors are most pronounced when the goulash is fresh from the slow cooker and the cheese is soft.

Variations

• Spicy Beef Goulash: Add two tablespoons of chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker during the initial layering phase for a significant heat boost.
• Vegetable-Packed Goulash: Incorporate one cup of frozen peas or diced bell peppers during the final hour of cooking to add color, texture, and additional vegetable content to the dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Allow any leftovers to cool for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. This rapid cooling ensures the food remains safe for consumption. Store the container in the refrigerator to maintain the quality of the sauce and the texture of the pasta for up to three days.

This dish is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the dish as instructed, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to eat, simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a tiny splash of water if the pasta has absorbed too much of the sauce.

Serving ideas

Serve the goulash in warm bowls, ensuring each portion has a generous amount of the meat sauce and melted cheese. It is a complete meal on its own, but can be elevated with a simple garnish of fresh parsley or a dash of black pepper if desired. The warmth of the dish makes it a perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner.

When serving for a larger group, keep the slow cooker on the warm setting to ensure every portion remains at an ideal temperature. Provide extra shredded cheese on the side for those who prefer an even cheesier experience.

The comforting nature of this dish makes it a reliable favorite that is always well-received at any casual gathering or weeknight meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Macaroni Goulash

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground beef at the bottom of the slow cooker basin. Evenly scatter the diced yellow onions over the meat, followed by the canned diced tomatoes with Italian herbs and the tomato sauce. Do not stir at this stage.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for three hours. This allows the beef to braise in the tomato liquids and develop a rich, savory flavor profile throughout the sauce base.
3. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Continue cooking for another hour or until the pasta is tender to the bite. Once finished, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for five minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.