Introduction
Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors with this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man Goulash! This classic comfort food is not just easy to prepare; it’s also a hearty meal that the whole family will love. With tender ground beef, comforting elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce, it brings together simple ingredients to create a warm and satisfying dish. Perfect for busy days, you can toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the magic while you go about your day. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional, to taste)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups water (as needed to cook pasta and loosen sauce)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 4-5 hours 15 minutes (LOW) or 2-3 hours 15 minutes (HIGH)
Yield: 6-8 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Sauté until the meat is beautifully browned and no pink remains, around 7–10 minutes. If there’s an excess of fat, spoon off most of it, leaving a couple of tablespoons for flavor.
- Next, stir in the diced onion with the browned beef. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent around the edges, releasing their sweet aroma.
- Transfer the beef and onion mixture into a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, making sure to scrape all those delicious browned bits from the skillet.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, blending it well with the beef and onions. If you’d like, add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover and let it cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
- About 30–40 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in 1 1/2 cups of water to loosen the sauce, then add the dry elbow macaroni. Give it a good stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the saucy goodness. If the mixture still appears thick, add up to an additional 1/2 cup of water.
- Re-cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for another 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the macaroni is tender but not mushy.
- Once everything is cooked to perfection, taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot straight from the slow cooker, using a large metal spoon for generous portions!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to customize this goulash by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or diced tomatoes, for extra nutrition and flavor. This dish also makes for delicious leftovers, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch!
Cooking Techniques
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the slow cooking technique. By using a slow cooker, the beef becomes incredibly tender, and the flavors deepen over time, resulting in a dish that is both rich and satisfying. Browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth and a lovely color to the final dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking times as different pastas may require more or less time.
Can I make this goulash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. Just combine them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook!
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man Goulash is not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl. Perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner, it embodies the essence of comfort food. With its ease of preparation and hearty flavors, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again. Enjoy every delicious bite!