If the mixture is still too thick or the pasta isn’t sufficiently covered, add up to another ½ cup of water.
6. Cook the Pasta
Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes.
Stir once halfway through cooking.
Start checking the macaroni after about 20 minutes because slow cookers can vary. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.
If the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, add a small splash of water and stir.
7. Season and Serve
Once the macaroni is tender, taste the goulash and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
The finished dish should be thick and saucy, with tender macaroni, soft onions, and browned beef in a rich tomato sauce.
Serve hot directly from the slow cooker.
Optional Additions
Although the original recipe keeps things very simple, you can customize it with ingredients you already have.
Try adding:
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½–1 teaspoon paprika
– Shredded cheddar cheese
– A little beef broth instead of some of the water
– Pickles or pepperoncini on the side
For a more economical version, reduce the beef to 1–1½ pounds and increase the dry macaroni by about ½ cup to stretch the recipe further.
What to Serve With It
This goulash is filling enough to serve on its own, but it pairs especially well with:
– Green salad
– Garlic bread
– Buttered toast
– Steamed vegetables
– Pickles
– Pepperoncini
For gatherings, place shredded cheese and pickles on the table so everyone can add their favorite toppings.
Storage and Reheating
Transfer leftovers to shallow containers and refrigerate them within 2 hours.
They can be kept refrigerated for approximately 3–4 days.
When reheating, heat thoroughly until steaming hot. If the macaroni has absorbed too much sauce, add a small splash of water or broth and stir.
Food Safety
Always brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
If you’re serving the goulash at a gathering, keep it on the WARM setting after the pasta is cooked and stir occasionally to help prevent the macaroni from sticking.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of inexpensive ingredients makes this a practical meal when you’re feeding a family or a crowd.
The browned beef provides richness, onions add sweetness and aroma, tomato sauce creates the savory base, and elbow macaroni turns everything into a hearty, satisfying dish.
It’s proof that a comforting family meal doesn’t need an expensive shopping list—or complicated preparation—to become a favorite tradition.
