How to Make an Easy Crockpot Goulash
How to Make an Easy Crockpot Goulash is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 375 calories per serving. Recipe by Kells Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 2 hrs 45 min | Total: 3 hrs 10 min
Cost: $7.77 total, $1.94 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 lean, crumbled and browned, then drained)
- 24 ounce Tomato Sauce (Plain canned tomato sauce)
- 14.5 ounce Diced Tomatoes (Canned diced tomatoes with onions and green peppers)
- 1 piece Green Pepper (Small, fresh, diced)
- 1 small piece Onion (Diced)
- 1.5 teaspoon Garlic (Minced (about 2 cloves))
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Dried blend of herbs)
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (Regular white sugar)
- 1 cup Water (Room temperature)
- 1 cup Elbow Macaroni (Uncooked dry pasta)
Instructions
Brown the ground beef
Heat the large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no pink remains, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the crock‑pot.
Time: PT10M
Prep the vegetables
While the beef cooks, dice the small onion and green pepper, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Combine all ingredients in the crock‑pot
To the crock‑pot add the browned beef, 24 oz tomato sauce, 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, the diced onion, green pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sugar, water, and 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well to combine and break up any seasoning clumps.
Time: PT5M
Start the slow cooking
Place the lid on the crock‑pot and set it to HIGH. Cook for 2‑3 hours, checking at the 2‑hour mark for pasta doneness.
Time: PT2H30M
Finish and serve
When the elbow macaroni is tender and the sauce is thick but saucy, give the dish one final stir. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed, then serve hot.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 375
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 32 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: high‑protein, comfort food, contains meat
Allergens: gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken, Plant‑based mince
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes, Marinara sauce
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Plain diced tomatoes, Fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Green Pepper: Red bell pepper, Yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Onion: Yellow onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (¼ tsp), Garlic paste (½ tsp)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Oregano and basil mix, Herbes de Provence
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (½ tbsp), Maple syrup (½ tbsp)
- Instead of Water: Low‑sodium chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Small shells, Ditalini
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Crock‑Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef until fully cooked and drain excess fat.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly before cooking to avoid seasoning clumps.
- Cook on HIGH for 2‑3 hours until the pasta is tender.
- Check pasta doneness before serving; adjust cooking time if needed.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Using both a jar of tomato sauce and canned diced tomatoes adds depth and texture.
- A pinch of red‑pepper flakes gives a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
- Stirring once halfway through cooking prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Troubleshooting
Pasta is too mushy.
Reduce the cooking time by 15‑20 minutes or add the pasta 30 minutes later in the cooking cycle.
Sauce is too thick.
Stir in an extra ¼‑½ cup of water or broth and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Ground beef is dry.
Make sure to drain only excess fat, not all the moisture; you can add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because the pasta becomes mushy.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brown the beef and assemble all ingredients in the crock‑pot the night before; refrigerate uncovered and start cooking in the morning.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Crockpot Beef Tomato Pasta in Italian‑American cuisine?
Crockpot Beef Tomato Pasta is a modern adaptation of classic Italian‑American comfort food, where ground beef and tomato‑based sauces are paired with pasta. The slow‑cooker version became popular in the United States during the late 20th century as families sought convenient, one‑pot meals that still delivered traditional flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of beef tomato pasta in Italian‑American cooking?
In the Northeastern U.S., the dish often includes mozzarella or Parmesan baked on top, while in the Midwest it may feature a splash of red wine. Some families add bell peppers or celery for extra crunch, reflecting the regional availability of fresh produce.
How is Crockpot Beef Tomato Pasta traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the slow cooker, accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh parsley adds a finishing touch.
What occasions or celebrations is Crockpot Beef Tomato Pasta commonly associated with in American culture?
Because it is easy, filling, and can feed a crowd, the dish is popular for family gatherings, pot‑luck dinners, and casual weekend meals. It’s also a go‑to comfort food for game‑day parties and after‑school snacks.
What makes Crockpot Beef Tomato Pasta special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The combination of a slow‑cooked, richly seasoned meat sauce with just a cup of uncooked pasta creates a creamy, saucy texture that’s different from traditional baked pasta casseroles. The added sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the sauce a subtle sweetness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Crockpot Beef Tomato Pasta?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy, and not adding enough liquid, resulting in a dry sauce. Also, failing to brown the beef properly can leave a greasy texture and less flavor.
Why does this Crockpot Beef Tomato Pasta recipe use a tablespoon of sugar?
A small amount of sugar counteracts the natural acidity of the canned tomatoes and sauce, creating a smoother, more balanced flavor without making the dish sweet.
Can I make Crockpot Beef Tomato Pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the uncooked ingredients in the crock‑pot, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, start the cooker on HIGH. Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
What does the YouTube channel Kells Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kells Kitchen focuses on easy, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes, often using simple pantry staples and one‑pot techniques to make cooking quick and accessible for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Kells Kitchen's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Kells Kitchen emphasizes minimal prep, budget‑friendly ingredients, and the use of everyday kitchen equipment like slow cookers, whereas many other channels may rely on more elaborate techniques or specialty tools.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
