I’ve made this slow cooker goulash on rainy weeknights and busy Sundays alike — it’s the kind of one-pot comfort that warms the whole house and requires almost no babysitting. Ground beef, tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and melty cheese combine into a cozy, budget-friendly dinner that’s especially great when you want something kid-approved, filling, and forgiving of last-minute substitutions.

What makes this recipe special

This version of slow cooker goulash is attractive because it’s straightforward and hands-off. You dump raw ground beef, veggies, pasta, and broth into the pot, set the timer, and come back to a bubbling, cheesy meal. It’s ideal for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone who wants a hearty dinner without late-afternoon stove duty. The slow, gentle heat softens flavors and lets the elbow macaroni absorb savory tomato-beef broth — producing a thick, comforting result.

“A five-ingredient dinner that tastes like it simmered all day — perfect for school nights.”

If you like comforting slow-cooker sides, try pairing this with some cheesy slow-cooker potatoes for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal.

The cooking process explained

Overview: Brown or add raw — this recipe works both ways. Combine the ground beef with chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and Italian seasoning in the slow cooker. Cook low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in shredded cheese about 30 minutes before serving so it melts through without becoming rubbery. Test pasta for doneness and adjust thickness with extra broth if needed.

What you should expect as you go:

The meat and veggies release juices that form the base; the broth/tomatoes keep the macaroni from drying out.
Stir once or twice if possible to prevent sticking around the edges.
Cheese folded in late gives a creamy finish without separating.

Key ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 gives good flavor; leaner works but may be drier)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
2 cups beef broth (use low-sodium if preferred)
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For gluten-free, use GF elbow pasta and check broth label.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
If you’re short on time, you can pre-brown the beef in a skillet to develop flavor and drain excess fat before adding to the slow cooker — optional but tasty.

Directions to follow

If you prefer deeper flavor, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat. (You can skip this and add raw beef directly to the slow cooker.)
Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to the slow cooker.
Stir everything until evenly combined so the pasta is submerged in liquid.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. Check after about halfway through if possible; give it a stir to prevent sticking.
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If the goulash is too thick, stir in up to 1/2 cup extra beef broth or water.
Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or chopped parsley if you like.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve goulash straight from the slow cooker into bowls for a rustic presentation. Pairing ideas:

Green salad or steamed green beans for freshness.
Crusty bread or garlic toast to mop up saucy spoonfuls.
A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for tang.
If you want a full slow-cooker comfort menu, this goes well alongside a hearty slow-cooker beef stew with dumplings for a potluck or family-style dinner.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3–4 days.
To reheat: warm in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen, or microwave in a covered dish until piping hot (165°F/74°C internally).
To freeze: cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Food safety note: always reheat to 165°F to ensure safety and best texture.

Helpful cooking tips

Don’t be afraid to stir once or twice during the cook if you can — it prevents pasta from clumping at the edges.
If you like firmer pasta, add the elbow macaroni during the last 1.5–2 hours on LOW (or last 45–60 minutes on HIGH). If added at the start, expect a softer, stewy noodle.
Use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded) for better melt and creaminess.
Want richer flavor? Brown the beef first and deglaze the skillet with a little broth to pour into the slow cooker.
For an altogether different braise-style profile, check this slow-cooker beef ramen technique for inspiration on building brothy depth.

Creative twists

Spanish-style: swap Italian seasoning for smoked paprika and cumin, add corn, and top with cilantro.
Meatless: replace beef with cooked lentils and use vegetable broth; add a splash of soy sauce for umami.
Chili-goulash: stir in a tablespoon of chili powder and a small can of tomato sauce for a spicier, thicker version.
Cheese variations: use pepper jack for heat, or mix cheddar and mozzarella for gooey stretch and sharp flavor.

Common questions

Q: Can I add the pasta at the beginning, or should I wait?
A: You can add the pasta at the start; it will absorb liquid and become softer, producing a stew-like texture. If you prefer al dente pasta, add it in the last 1.5–2 hours on LOW (or last 45–60 minutes on HIGH).

Q: Do I need to brown the ground beef first?
A: Browning is optional. It adds complex flavor via Maillard browning and allows you to drain excess fat, but the slow cooker will still produce a tasty dish without that step.

Q: How can I fix a goulash that’s too watery or too thick?
A: Too watery — simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes on HIGH (or stir in a small amount of instant mashed potato flakes) or add a bit more cheese to thicken. Too thick — stir in extra beef broth or water, 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach desired consistency.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool completely, portion, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the texture of pasta can change after freezing; you may prefer to freeze without pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.

Conclusion

If you’re after a low-fuss, comforting family meal, this slow cooker goulash delivers dinner with minimal hands-on time. For more slow-cooker takes on goulash and similar comfort bowls, see this Slow Cooker Goulash – Slow Cooker Gourmet and another fresh take at Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe – Savory With Soul. These will give you additional ideas for seasoning, timing, and mix-ins to make the recipe your own.