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Slow Cooker Goulash

Hearty Slow Cooker Goulash: A Comforting Dinner Delight

This Slow Cooker Goulash is a hearty, comforting dinner that marries ground beef, macaroni, and savory tomato sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Goulash
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef can substitute with ground pork, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 medium Onion (chopped) yellow or white onion works well
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (chopped) green bell pepper can be used instead
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) using fresh garlic is recommended
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning dried herbs are a fine substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust according to your taste preference
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground is best for flavor
  • 4 cups Bone Broth (or Chicken/Beef Broth) vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian option
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes opt for low-sodium if preferred
  • 15 ounces Petite Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese substitute mozzarella or dairy-free alternative if desired
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni can swap with rice or low-carb grain for variation
Optional Add-Ins
  • Vegetables consider incorporating green beans, cauliflower, or zucchini
  • Red Chili Flakes add for a bit of heat
  • Smoked Paprika a dash can enhance the flavor profile

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Goulash
  1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Into the slow cooker with the beef, add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; mix thoroughly. Pour in bone broth, crushed tomatoes, and petite diced tomatoes; stir well.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or on LOW for 4-6 hours. Keep it on LOW for up to 8 hours if needed.
  4. About 15 minutes before serving, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
  5. Once goulash is cooked, stir in drained pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
  6. Ladle the slow cooker goulash into bowls while hot. Serve warm, pairing with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Consider cooking pasta separately to avoid gummyness. Brown ground beef ahead for an easier cooking process!

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