There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of Crockpot Goulash to bring comfort to the table. This recipe combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato-based sauce—all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that warms both the kitchen and the heart.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together with minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Just set it, forget it, and return to a satisfying, family-friendly dinner.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking – The slow cooker does the work while you carry on with your day.
- Hearty & filling – Ground beef, pasta, and veggies make it a complete meal in one pot.
- Family-friendly – A crowd-pleasing dish with simple, familiar flavors.
- Perfect for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
🥘 Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 box dry macaroni pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat & Veggies
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened.
Step 2: Add to Crockpot
- Transfer the meat and veggie mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours.
Step 4: Cook Pasta Separately
- About 1 hour before serving, cook macaroni pasta according to package directions.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
- 30 minutes before serving, stir cooked pasta and frozen peas into the slow cooker.
- Cover and let sit until warmed through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese before serving.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
🍽 Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Goulash is classic comfort food at its best—rich, hearty, and filled with flavor. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to add to your weeknight rotation, and it’s guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds.
