Dinner

Cozy Crock Pot Goulash Recipe – Best Easy Comfort Food Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher January 31, 2026January 31, 2026

Introduction

This Cozy Crock Pot Goulash is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. It combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth for a satisfying one-pot meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a family favorite that warms both body and soul.

The image shows a close-up of a plate filled with macaroni pasta mixed with a rich ground beef sauce. The macaroni is a light golden color with a soft and slightly glossy texture, while the ground beef sauce is thick with deep brown and red tones from the meat and tomato sauce. Small bits of green herbs are lightly sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. The food looks hearty and well-cooked, filling the frame with a mix of curved pasta shapes and crumbly meat pieces. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve the goulash hot. Optionally, top with shredded cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Stir in a handful of fresh parsley or basil just before serving for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it has thickened. This goulash can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with macaroni pasta mixed with a rich ground beef meat sauce. The pasta is light golden yellow and curved in small elbow shapes. The meat sauce is dark brown with visible chunks of cooked ground beef and small pieces of red tomato, blending well with the pasta. There are tiny green herb bits sprinkled over the dish, adding color contrast. The texture of the sauce looks thick and hearty, coating the pasta evenly. The bowl is white, sitting on a white marbled surface, and the focus is tight on the food itself, showing details of the moist and savory mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, any small pasta like shells, rotini, or penne works well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed so the pasta becomes tender but not mushy.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Absolutely. You can brown the beef and sauté the onions a day ahead and refrigerate them. Add everything to the slow cooker when ready. For best results, add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking as usual.

Naomi Fletcher