Beef and Elbow Macaroni Goulash

The aroma of slow-cooked beef, sweet bell peppers, paprika, and tomatoes will greet you warmly with every spoonful of this comforting Hungarian-inspired goulash. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug after a long day, perfect for slow cooker days when you want something hearty and fuss-free. Elbow macaroni cooks directly in the savory, paprika-rich sauce during the final stage, soaking up all the flavors while keeping cleanup minimal. With tender beef, a rich tomato base, and gentle smokiness from the paprika, this dish will quickly become a family favorite for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 4 cups beef broth

• 2 tablespoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions:

1. Add beef, onion, garlic, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce to a slow cooker.

2. Stir well to combine.

3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the elbow macaroni.

5. Cover and cook on high until the pasta is tender, about 25-30 minutes.

6. Stir well, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Kcal: 475 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why Slow Cooker Goulash Is a Timeless Comfort Food

When the days feel long and the evenings cool, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of hearty goulash. Slow Cooker Beef and Elbow Macaroni Goulash is a classic one-pot meal that brings together tender chunks of beef, pasta, bell peppers, and a rich, paprika-spiced tomato broth in a way that feels like a hug from the inside out.

This dish, rooted in Hungarian culinary tradition, adapts seamlessly to modern kitchens thanks to the convenience of the slow cooker. It allows the flavors to develop gently over hours while requiring minimal active cooking, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights, meal prep days, or when you simply want your home to smell like cozy comfort all day long.

Unlike traditional goulash, which can require constant monitoring on the stovetop, this slow cooker version lets you set it in the morning and return to a perfectly cooked dinner, with the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender and the pasta soaking up all the rich flavors of the sauce.

The Heritage of Hungarian Goulash

Goulash, or gulyás, originated as a humble shepherd’s stew in Hungary, where herdsmen cooked beef with paprika and simple vegetables over open fires. It is known for its signature paprika-rich broth, which provides warmth, color, and a mild smokiness that defines the dish.

Over the years, goulash evolved across Europe and the United States, with variations that incorporate pasta, potatoes, or dumplings depending on regional preferences and ingredient availability. The version we love today, with elbow macaroni, hearty chunks of beef, and bell peppers simmered in a tomato-based sauce, is particularly popular in American kitchens for its balance of comforting flavors, affordability, and ease of preparation.

Slow Cooker Beef and Elbow Macaroni Goulash keeps the spirit of the original while adding the convenience that modern cooks appreciate, retaining its reputation as a dish that brings families together around the dinner table.

Why This Recipe Works: Flavor Development and Texture

1. Low and Slow Cooking for Tender Beef

Beef chuck or stew meat benefits greatly from slow, moist heat cooking. As it simmers for hours in the slow cooker, the connective tissues break down, resulting in fork-tender pieces that melt in your mouth. Unlike quick stovetop cooking, the low-and-slow approach ensures that the beef remains juicy without becoming tough or dry.

2. Paprika and Spice Layering

Paprika is the star ingredient in any goulash, providing a warm, slightly smoky flavor while contributing to the rich red color of the broth. Using a blend of sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs deepens the flavor complexity, while a splash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami, tying the tomato and beef flavors together beautifully.

3. One-Pot Convenience

Because the pasta is added toward the end of the cooking process, it absorbs the flavors of the sauce without becoming mushy, maintaining a satisfying texture. This one-pot method reduces cleanup while infusing the pasta with the delicious sauce it cooks in, eliminating the need to cook pasta separately.

4. Balanced Hearty and Light Elements

The inclusion of bell peppers and tomatoes adds brightness and a hint of natural sweetness that balances the richness of the beef and the robustness of the sauce. The dish is hearty enough to satisfy on its own but still light enough to pair with a crisp green salad or crusty bread if desired.

Nutritional Value and Family-Friendly Appeal

Slow Cooker Beef and Elbow Macaroni Goulash is not just comforting; it is also a nourishing meal that can be adjusted to suit different dietary needs. The beef provides high-quality protein and iron, essential for energy and overall health, while the bell peppers contribute vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Elbow macaroni, while a source of carbohydrates for energy, can be substituted with whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary preferences. This flexibility makes the recipe suitable for a wide range of families looking to enjoy a wholesome, filling dinner together.

For busy parents, the dish’s ability to reheat well makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Cook once, and enjoy multiple meals throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is a complete meal in itself, but you can enhance your dining experience with simple sides:

• Freshly baked crusty bread for dipping into the rich sauce.

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the dish’s warmth.

• Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for additional vegetables.

• A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for brightness and color.

• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess and a cooling contrast.

For drinks, consider pairing this goulash with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a Hungarian Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) to complement the paprika and beef flavors.

Variations and Customization Ideas

One of the best parts of this slow cooker goulash is its adaptability:

• Add vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

• Spice it up with a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

• Use ground beef instead of cubed beef for a quicker-cooking version.

• Try different pastas like rotini, penne, or gluten-free options.

• Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of cream or cream cheese just before serving for a rich, comforting variation.

These customizations allow you to keep the dish exciting every time you make it while using what you have on hand.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Slow Cooker Beef and Elbow Macaroni Goulash stores beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers:

• Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

• Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. For best results, undercook the pasta slightly if freezing, as it will continue to soften when reheated.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

The flavors often deepen after resting overnight, making leftovers even more flavorful the next day.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Beef and Elbow Macaroni Goulash is a recipe that embodies everything we love about comfort food:

• It is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort.

• It fills your home with warm, inviting aromas as it cooks.

• It uses simple, accessible ingredients while delivering deeply satisfying flavors.

• It is flexible and forgiving, allowing for substitutions and personal touches.

• It is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a family or a gathering of friends.

Whether you are new to cooking or a seasoned home cook looking for a reliable, comforting meal to add to your weekly rotation, this goulash delivers every time. It’s a reminder that delicious food does not need to be complicated to be memorable, and a warm bowl of slow-cooked goulash can bring comfort, joy, and connection to your table.