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Slow Cooker Goulash with Macaroni and Cheese

Slow Cooker Goulash with Macaroni and Cheese
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Comforting Slow Cooker Goulash with Macaroni and Cheese is a hearty, cheesy one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and creamy cheddar cheese in a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Pasta

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Base

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Liquids

  • 1 cup beef broth

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Spices

  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown 1 lb ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes, to unlock deep flavors.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  3. Slow Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the macaroni is tender and the sauce thickens to a hearty consistency. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature.
  4. Add Cheese & Finish: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the cooked pasta and sauce. Stir gently to melt the cheese evenly. Let it heat through for an additional 10-15 minutes until creamy and gooey.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer, more flavorful dish.
  • Do not overcook macaroni to avoid mushiness; monitor the slow cooker timing.
  • Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent oily sauce.
  • Add cheese at the end gradually for smooth melting without clumping.
  • Adjust paprika and pepper to customize spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker goulash, macaroni and cheese, ground beef recipe, one pot meal, slow cooker dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/slow-cooker-goulash-with-macaroni-and-cheese/