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Old-Fashioned Crockpot Goulash made with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, bell peppers, sweet peas, and a rich tomato sauce, served in a rustic bowl and garnished with fresh parsley. A hearty American slow cooker comfort food perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

Old-Fashioned Crockpot Goulash

Description: This Old-Fashioned Crockpot Goulash is a hearty, comforting slow cooker meal made with seasoned ground beef, onions, bell peppers, rich tomato sauce, tender macaroni, and sweet peas. It's an easy family dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • ½ onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 14.5-ounce cans tomato sauce
  • 2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 box elbow macaroni cooked
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic.
  3. Transfer the beef and vegetables to the slow cooker.
  4. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well.
  5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3½ hours or LOW for 6–7 hours.
  6. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  7. Thirty minutes before serving, stir the cooked macaroni and frozen peas into the slow cooker.
  8. Cover and cook until the peas are heated through and the pasta has absorbed some of the sauce.
  9. Let the goulash rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
For potlucks, keep the slow cooker on the Warm setting and stir in a little heated beef broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid.
Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be substituted for the ground beef.
Freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for the best texture.