Description
Slow Cooker Goulash with Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and creamy cheddar cheese with elbow macaroni. Perfect for busy weeknights, this effortless slow cooker recipe delivers nostalgic, family-friendly flavors with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Pasta
- 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Liquids
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness and build deep flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and adding complexity to the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef and sautéed aromatics to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours to tenderize the beef and meld flavors.
- Add Macaroni: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni so it cooks directly in the sauce and absorbs the flavors.
- Stir in Cheese: Once the macaroni is tender, turn off the slow cooker and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasiness.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a robust, creamy flavor.
- Stir macaroni and cheese gently to prevent breaking pasta.
- Adjust macaroni cooking time based on your slow cooker’s heat to avoid mushy or undercooked pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: slow cooker goulash, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, hearty recipe, budget-friendly
