There’s just something magical about slow-cooked meals, isn’t there? The way the aromas waft through the house, wrapping you in a warm hug as you anticipate that first bite. My crockpot goulash with uncooked macaroni slow cooker recipe is a family favorite that never fails to deliver comfort and satisfaction. I remember cozy evenings when I’d come home from school, and the rich scent of goulash would greet me at the door. It’s simple to make, and the best part? You can throw everything into the crockpot and let it do its thing while you kick back and relax. Trust me, this is a dish that brings everyone together around the table, smiling and satisfied!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cozy crockpot goulash:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything prepped before you start—chop that onion and mince that garlic for all that flavor to come through. The uncooked macaroni is key here, and trust me, it cooks perfectly in the slow cooker, soaking up all those delicious juices. You won’t regret it!
How to Prepare the Crockpot Goulash with Uncooked Macaroni Slow Cooker Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the heart of this cozy dish! First, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. You want to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion turns translucent, which should take another 3-4 minutes.
Now, transfer that savory beef mixture into your trusty crockpot. This is where the magic happens! Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir to combine everything beautifully.
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This is your time to relax! But don’t forget; in the last 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll want to stir in the uncooked macaroni. This allows it to soak up all those delicious flavors while it cooks to perfect tenderness.
As the timer ticks down, keep an eye on it. Just before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Trust me, a little extra seasoning can elevate the dish! And voilà! You’ve got yourself a hearty, comforting goulash that’s ready to be enjoyed. Gather your loved ones, and dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crockpot goulash is the perfect dish for busy weeknights, and here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick preparation—just brown the beef and toss everything in the crockpot!
- Hearty flavor that warms your soul and satisfies your hunger.
- Family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
- One-pot meal means easy cleanup—yay for less dishes!
- Versatile—feel free to add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making for an easy lunch!
Tips for Success
To make your crockpot goulash with uncooked macaroni slow cooker recipe truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste—add a pinch more Italian seasoning or a dash of hot sauce if you like a kick! If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, bell peppers, or even carrots work beautifully in this dish. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients.
And here’s a little secret: for perfectly cooked macaroni, stir it into the goulash during the last 30 minutes of cooking, as mentioned. This way, it absorbs all those rich flavors without getting mushy. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your goulash to the next level!
Nutritional Information
When you’re whipping up this delightful crockpot goulash, it’s nice to know what you’re serving up! Each hearty serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
These values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so feel free to adjust based on your specific choices. Enjoy this comforting meal knowing it’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this crockpot goulash with uncooked macaroni slow cooker recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or sausage can be great substitutes if you’re looking for a healthier option or just want a different flavor. Just make sure to brown it first just like the beef.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! You can swap it out for chicken broth or even vegetable broth. It’ll still turn out delicious!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you mix in the other ingredients. A splash of hot sauce just before serving can also do the trick!
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes! You can brown the meat and chop the veggies ahead of time. Just store everything in the fridge and combine it in the crockpot in the morning. It’ll be ready when you are!
What should I serve with goulash?
This dish is a meal in itself, but a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping can really enhance the experience. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This goulash stores beautifully. Simply transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain its flavor and texture.
When you’re ready to reheat, you can do so on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If it seems a bit thick, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Enjoy every bite again!
Print
Crockpot Goulash with Uncooked Macaroni: 5 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and hearty crockpot goulash recipe made with uncooked macaroni.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in uncooked macaroni.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot goulash, slow cooker goulash, macaroni goulash