Crockpot Goulash with Uncooked Macaroni (Slow Cooker Recipe)
This easy Crockpot Goulash with Uncooked Macaroni is the perfect slow cooker recipe for busy nights. With tender beef, savory marinara sauce, and pasta that cooks right in the pot, this hearty goulash is packed with flavor and minimal effort. It's a family-friendly dish that's perfect for meal prep, and you can customize it to your liking with extra veggies, spices, or cheese. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4.5 hours
- Total Time: 4.5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Transfer the beef mixture into the crockpot.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and soy sauce.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, stir in the uncooked macaroni. Cover and cook for an additional 30–40 minutes until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
- Stir everything together before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out ground beef for plant-based meat or add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a meatless version.
- Cheesy Version: Add 1-2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a creamy twist.
- Spicy Version: Toss in red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to spice it up.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni for those with dietary restrictions.
