CROCKPOT AMERICAN GOULASH, Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipe

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat elbow macaroni

💰Cheaper: any pasta

Whole wheat pasta is more nutritious, while any pasta can be a budget-friendly option.

Place a skillet on medium-high heat and add 1.5 pounds of ground beef.

Brown the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.

Chop 1 yellow bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper into large pieces.

Chop 2 small onions into large pieces, removing the ends and outer layer.

Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes without seasoning.

Transfer the ground beef, onions, and peppers to the crock pot using a slotted spoon to drain excess grease.

Add 14 ounces of diced tomatoes, 24 ounces of pasta sauce, and 1 cup of beef broth to the crock pot.

Add 10 ounces of tomato soup, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning to the crock pot.

Mix all the ingredients together in the crock pot and place the lid on.

Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.

After 2 hours, add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni to the crock pot, stirring to combine.

Cover the crock pot and let the pasta cook for about 1 hour until tender.

Check the liquid level and add more broth if necessary, ensuring it’s not too soupy.

Remove the lid halfway through the cook time to stir and push the pasta down.

Once the pasta is tender, turn off the crock pot and add shredded cheese, mixing it in until melted.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: