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Slow Cooker Goulash with Macaroni and Cheese

Slow Cooker Goulash with Macaroni and Cheese
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Slow Cooker Goulash with Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting, hearty one-pot dish combining savory ground beef, tender macaroni, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it requires minimal effort with maximum flavor, delivered by slow cooking to meld all ingredients into a rich, cheesy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups macaroni pasta (uncooked)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat to avoid oily texture.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the browned beef, uncooked macaroni, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
  3. Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the macaroni to become tender without turning mushy.
  4. Add the Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently to melt the cheese and integrate it fully into the dish for a creamy texture.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Give the goulash a final stir and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or sour cream for extra brightness.

Notes

  • Use uncooked pasta to allow it to absorb the flavors as it cooks.
  • Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to keep heat steady and pasta properly tender.
  • Adjust broth quantity if the dish looks too thick; add a splash as needed.
  • Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to enhance flavor intensity.
  • Prep ground beef and vegetables the night before to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker goulash, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, one pot meal, ground beef recipe, family dinner, easy dinner, cheesy goulash

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/slow-cooker-goulash-with-macaroni-and-cheese/