Slow Cooker Goulash Delight: A Hearty Comfort Classic
Welcome to the ultimate guide to crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker goulash that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your family asking for seconds! This timeless recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave a hearty, flavorful meal without the hassle of extensive preparation. Let’s dive into the savory world of goulash and create a dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp. Minced garlic
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Pepper
- 2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
- 2 cans tomato sauce (14.5 oz each)
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 box dry uncooked macaroni
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Seasoning Time: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add the Rest: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the flavors meld together and the goulash reaches your desired consistency.
- Cook the Macaroni: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the macaroni and add it to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot goulash into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped parsley.
Cook’s Notes:
- For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper to the goulash.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water and add it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with your favorite meat substitute, such as crumbled tofu or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Goulash: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the goulash for a fiery twist.
- Cheesy Goulash: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an indulgent cheesy flavor.
Keto Version:
To make this goulash keto-friendly, simply substitute the macaroni with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. You can also reduce the amount of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to lower the carb content.
Low-Carb Version:
For a low-carb option, replace the macaroni with cooked spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles. Additionally, opt for sugar-free tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to keep the carb count minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
Q: Can I cook this goulash on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can. Simply follow the same steps but simmer the goulash over low heat on the stovetop for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover goulash in airtight containers or freezer bags for future meals. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Q: What other toppings can I add to my goulash? A: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding diced avocado, chopped green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra flavor.
Q: How can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences? A: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your taste. You can always add more seasoning as needed during the cooking process.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this slow cooker goulash recipe that’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this hearty dish is a winner every time. Experiment with different variations and make it your own signature creation. Cheers to good food and happy cooking!
