Poor Man Goulash – Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food

Introduction

This Poor Man Goulash is a hearty, budget-friendly comfort food recipe made with simple ingredients: ground beef, onions, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni. Everything comes together in the slow cooker for an easy, filling meal that serves a crowd.

The rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and seasoned beef create a classic one-pot-style dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1½ cups)
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, optional and to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, optional and to taste
• 1½ to 2 cups water, as needed

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and no pink remains.

Drain off most of the excess fat if needed.

2. Cook the Onion

Add the diced onion to the browned beef. Cook for 3–5 minutes, until the onion begins to soften.

3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked beef and onions to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Add salt and black pepper if desired.

4. Slow Cook the Meat Sauce

Cover and cook:

• LOW: 4–5 hours
• HIGH: 2–3 hours

This allows the onions to become tender and the flavors to blend together.

5. Add the Macaroni

About 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in 1½ cups of water and the dry elbow macaroni.

Make sure the pasta is mostly covered by the sauce. Add up to an additional ½ cup of water if needed.

6. Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Check the macaroni around the 20-minute mark to prevent it from becoming too soft.

7. Serve

Once the pasta is tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve the goulash hot, straight from the slow cooker.

Variations and Tips

• Stretch the recipe: Use 1 to 1½ pounds of ground beef and add an extra ½ cup of macaroni.
• Add more flavor: Try dried Italian seasoning or paprika.
• Make it cheesy: Top each serving with shredded cheese.
• Use broth: Replace some or all of the water with beef broth for a richer flavor.
• Try ground turkey: Ground turkey can be substituted for beef for a lighter version.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool promptly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat until steaming hot before serving.

Conclusion

This Poor Man Goulash is an easy, affordable, and satisfying meal made with everyday pantry staples. The combination of savory ground beef, tender macaroni, soft onions, and rich tomato sauce makes it a comforting family dinner that is simple to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.