Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man’s Goulash
This hearty, budget-friendly slow cooker goulash is made with just four main ingredients: ground beef, onions, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni. It’s simple, filling, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds ground beef, 80–85% lean
– 1 large yellow onion, diced
– 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
– 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt, optional
– ½ teaspoon black pepper, optional
– 1½–2 cups water, as needed
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
If there is a lot of excess fat, drain most of it, leaving a small amount for flavor.
2. Add the Onion
Add the diced onion to the browned beef.
Cook for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and become translucent around the edges.
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a 5–6-quart slow cooker.
Add the tomato sauce and stir everything together.
If you’re using salt and black pepper, add them now.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
– LOW: 4–5 hours
– HIGH: 2–3 hours
This allows the onions to become tender and gives the beef and tomato sauce time to develop a deeper flavor.
5. Add the Macaroni
About 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in 1½ cups of water.
Add the dry elbow macaroni and stir well, making sure most of the pasta is covered by the sauce.
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