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<h1><strong>5-Ingredient Slow Cooker American Goulash – The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Food Dinner</strong></h1>
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There’s something deeply nostalgic about a warm bowl of <strong>American Goulash</strong>. One bite instantly brings back memories of school lunches, church potlucks, and comforting family dinners around the table. This dish is pure, old-school comfort — hearty <strong>ground beef</strong>, tender <strong>elbow macaroni</strong>, and rich <strong>tomato sauce</strong> slowly simmered together into one irresistibly cozy meal.
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What makes this version special? It’s made in the <strong>slow cooker</strong> with just <strong>five simple ingredients</strong>. That means minimal prep, maximum flavor, and almost zero effort. Toss everything in, let it gently cook, and come back to a home filled with the most mouthwatering aroma imaginable. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds — or thirds.
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<h2><strong>Ingredients & Why They Matter</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ground Beef (1½ lbs, 80–90% lean)</strong> – The hearty protein base. It delivers rich, savory flavor and creates that classic “stick-to-your-ribs” texture everyone loves.</li>
<li><strong>Beef Broth (3 cups)</strong> – Infuses deep, slow-simmered flavor while keeping the pasta perfectly tender and juicy as it cooks.</li>
<li><strong>Tomato-Based Pasta Sauce (24 oz jar)</strong> – The heart of the dish. Provides tangy sweetness, herbs, and body without extra seasoning work.</li>
<li><strong>Elbow Macaroni (2 cups uncooked)</strong> – Traditional, comforting pasta that soaks up the sauce and thickens everything into a one-pot meal.</li>
<li><strong>Shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella (1 cup)</strong> – Melts into creamy, gooey goodness for that irresistible cheesy finish.</li>
<li><strong>Salt & Black Pepper (optional)</strong> – Enhances all the flavors and balances richness.</li>
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<h2><strong>Step-by-Step Instructions</strong></h2>
<ol>
<li>
<strong>Brown the Beef:</strong>
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef while breaking it apart until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat but leave a little for flavor.
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<li>
<strong>Build the Base:</strong>
Transfer beef to your slow cooker. Add beef broth and pasta sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
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<strong>Slow Cook:</strong>
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. This gentle cooking creates deep, rich flavor and tender beef.
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<strong>Add the Pasta:</strong>
Stir in uncooked macaroni about 30 minutes before serving. Make sure it’s submerged in liquid. Cook until just tender.
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<strong>Finish with Cheese:</strong>
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover, and allow it to melt into creamy perfection. Stir gently before serving.
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<li>
<strong>Serve Hot:</strong>
Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese if desired.
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<h2><strong>Why Everyone Loves This Recipe</strong></h2>
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✔ <strong>Only 5 ingredients</strong>
✔ <strong>One-pot slow cooker meal</strong>
✔ <strong>Budget friendly</strong>
✔ <strong>Kid approved comfort food</strong>
✔ <strong>Perfect for busy weeknights</strong>
✔ Tastes even better the next day
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It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and makes the whole family gather around the table without being called twice.
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<h2><strong>Pro Tips for Perfect Goulash</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Brown the beef well for deeper flavor.</li>
<li>Use low-sodium broth so you control saltiness.</li>
<li>Check pasta early to avoid overcooking.</li>
<li>Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or paprika for extra depth.</li>
<li>For creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream.</li>
<li>Boost nutrition by adding bell peppers or frozen vegetables.</li>
</ul>
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<h2><strong>Serving Suggestions</strong></h2>
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Make your meal feel complete with:
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<ul>
<li><strong>Crisp green salad</strong> with vinaigrette</li>
<li><strong>Garlic bread or crusty baguette</strong> for dipping</li>
<li><strong>Steamed green beans or sweet corn</strong></li>
<li><strong>Fresh fruit salad</strong> for a light finish</li>
</ul>
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<h2><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h2>
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This <strong>Slow Cooker American Goulash</strong> proves that simple food is often the most satisfying. With just five pantry staples and a hands-off cooking method, you get a hearty, nostalgic dinner that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s comforting, cheesy, filling, and incredibly easy — exactly what busy families crave.
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If you’re searching for the <strong>best easy slow cooker dinner recipe</strong> that delivers big flavor with mi
nimal effort, this is it. Save it, share it, and make it once — you’ll come back to it again and again.
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