Few dishes capture the heart of true comfort food quite like beef goulash. With Hungarian roots and a Midwestern touch, this slow cooker version takes everything you love about the classic and makes it even more irresistible. Tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and a medley of bell peppers and mushrooms come together in a dish that’s as hearty as it is flavorful. Best of all, the slow cooker does the hard work for you, letting the flavors deepen and meld throughout the day. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with the aroma of family gatherings, reminding you of simple joys and cozy dinners around the table. Pair this goulash with warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of the savory sauce. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette adds freshness, while buttered corn or green beans bring that unmistakable Midwestern flair. Top it all off with a glass of red wine or iced tea, and you’ve got the perfect comforting meal.
Slow Cooker Beef Goulash with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Large onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Bell peppers, diced (any color) | 2 |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 8 ounces |
| Pasta of your choice | 8 ounces |
| Shredded sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
Directions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves.
- Stir in the bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Remove bay leaves from the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cooked pasta.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, letting it melt before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a little heat, toss in red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version. Vegetarians can skip the meat and bulk it up with more mushrooms or chickpeas. If you’re craving creaminess, stir in a spoonful of sour cream before serving. And if you want a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine while it cooks—it takes this goulash to a whole new level.
