Slow Cooker Southern Goulash

Slow Cooker Southern Goulash is the definition of comfort food. This hearty one-pot meal combines seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese into a family favorite that's simple to make and perfect for busy days. The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop throughout the day while doing almost all of the work for you.

Unlike traditional stovetop goulash, this slow cooker version creates an incredibly rich and flavorful sauce as the beef simmers with tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of savory seasonings. Better Than Beef Bouillon adds even more depth, while tomato paste gives the sauce a slow-simmered flavor without hours of standing over the stove.

Toward the end of cooking, the elbow macaroni cooks right in the flavorful broth, soaking up all of the delicious seasonings before being topped with plenty of melty cheddar cheese. Every bite is hearty, cheesy, and packed with classic comfort food flavor.

This recipe is perfect for feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or serving at potlucks and gatherings where everyone is looking for something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Better Than Beef Bouillon

• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce

• 1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes

• 4 cups beef broth

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Add the ground beef to the slow cooker and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

2. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, Better Than Beef Bouillon, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.

3. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.

5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, turn the slow cooker to high and stir in the elbow macaroni.

6. Cover and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

7. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

8. Cover for a few minutes until the cheese is melted, then serve warm.

Tips

• Stir the pasta once or twice during the last 25 minutes if possible to help it cook evenly.

• If the mixture thickens more than you'd like after adding the pasta, stir in a little extra beef broth.

• Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

• This recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches throughout the week.

Serving Ideas

Serve Slow Cooker Southern Goulash with garlic bread, cornbread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of shredded cheddar for even more flavor.

With tender pasta, savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this Slow Cooker Southern Goulash is a comforting, satisfying dinner that's sure to become a regular part of your family meal rotation. It's easy to make, full of classic flavors, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds.