Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Goulash

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Goulash: Some dinners stay in your weekly meal plan just because they’re so easy, filling, and made from simple pantry food. This slow cooker poor man’s goulash is exactly that kind of dinner. It has the feel of good old Midwestern home cooking, back when one pound of ground beef, some pasta, and a bit of tomato could feed a whole table of hungry people. Pouring tomato juice right over the raw beef lets the slow cooker do most of the hard work, while your kitchen fills up with that warm, cozy smell everyone loves.

This goulash is filling enough to eat all on its own, but it’s also really good with buttered bread, saltine crackers, or a simple green salad on the side. If you want to make the meal even bigger, try adding steamed green beans, buttery canned corn, or a scoop of cottage cheese. For anyone who likes extra richness, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese on top — it fits right in.

This easy slow cooker goulash turns five simple ingredients into a warm, filling dinner the whole family will love. Ground beef, onion, and pasta simmer in tomato juice until soft and hearty. It’s a classic, budget-friendly comfort meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, homey, and satisfying.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 4 cups tomato juice
• 1 teaspoon salt

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Goulash: Directions

1. Add the beef and onion. Place the raw ground beef into the slow cooker and use a spoon to break it apart into smaller pieces so it cooks evenly. Scatter the chopped onion over the top of the beef, then sprinkle the salt evenly across everything.
2. Pour in the tomato juice. Slowly pour the tomato juice over the beef and onion, making sure it spreads out and covers most of the meat. Cover your slow cooker with the lid and let it cook. If you pick LOW, it will need about 6 to 7 hours. If you pick HIGH, it will only take about 3 to 4 hours. Give it a stir once or twice if you happen to be nearby, and cook until the beef is fully done and the onion has turned soft.
3. Add the pasta. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Push the pasta down gently so most of it sits under the liquid. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, checking near the end, until the macaroni turns tender.
4. Let it rest, then serve. Give the goulash a good stir so everything is well mixed. Let it sit uncovered for about 5 minutes so the sauce can thicken up a little. Spoon it into bowls while it’s hot and serve right away.

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