Emilie Meyer
Goulash is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for cold winter days. Traditionally a Hungarian dish, goulash is a simple stew with tender beef and vegetables, flavoured with Hungarian paprika. However, American Goulash has become a popular dish, too, which uses ground beef, macaroni noodles, and an Italian-style tomato-based sauce. Goulash can be made in a crockpot or slow cooker, making it an easy, tasty, and convenient meal for the whole family.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Comfort Food, Stew, Pasta Dish |
| Cuisine | American, Hungarian |
| Main Ingredients | Beef, Vegetables, Tomatoes, Seasonings, Pasta, Cheese |
| Other Ingredients | Beans, Lentils, Spices, Cream Cheese, Broth |
| Cookware | Slow Cooker, Crock Pot, Heavy-Bottomed Pot, Dutch Oven |
| Cooking Time | 2-5 hours |
| Calories | 294-688 kcal |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days, Freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Thaw overnight, Reheat on stove or microwave |
| Sides | Bread, Salad, Air Fryer Ranch Broccoli |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures
Crockpot goulash is a simple, hearty dish that can be left to cook for hours. It is a highly customizable dish, with various ingredients that can be added or substituted to suit one's taste.
The cooking time for crockpot goulash depends on the temperature setting used. It is recommended to cook the goulash for 2 hours on HIGH or 5 hours on LOW. This cooking time is for the goulash without the pasta, as adding the pasta at the beginning can result in overcooked or mushy pasta.
The pasta should be added in the last 30-45 minutes of cooking, and the crockpot should be switched to HIGH if it was previously on LOW. This ensures that the pasta cooks through without becoming too soft. It is important to note that different types of pasta may have slightly different cooking times, so it is advisable to check the pasta package instructions and adjust the timing accordingly.
For those who prefer their goulash with a sauce that has simmered for a longer time, it is recommended to cook the goulash without the pasta for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours, on LOW heat. Then, add the pasta and cook until it reaches the desired tenderness.
When reheating leftover goulash, it is best to thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Alternatively, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Additionally, the goulash can be frozen and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. However, it is important to note that the pasta may change in texture if frozen for longer periods.
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Meat alternatives
Goulash is a thick soup or stew that originated in Hungary. Traditional Hungarian goulash is similar to a beef stew, made from braised meat and vegetables, and flavoured heavily with paprika. However, American-style goulash is made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and macaroni noodles.
If you want to make a vegetarian goulash, omit the ground beef and substitute it with plant-based mince, or a can of kidney beans, cannellini beans, chickpeas, or brown lentils. You could also add extra vegetables to your goulash, such as corn, peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
For a leaner meat option, you could use shredded chicken or ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork. You could also use sausage, though this will add a distinct flavour to the dish.
If you are making a vegetarian goulash, you can use vegetable broth. However, if you are using meat, it is recommended to stick to beef broth.
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Vegetarian options
Yes, you can cook vegetarian goulash in a crock pot. To make a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the ground beef and substitute it with plant-based mince or cooked/canned beans like kidney beans, cannellini beans, chickpeas, or brown lentils. You can also add more vegetables to your goulash, such as corn, peas, diced carrots, sliced mushrooms, zucchini, kale, spinach, or sweet corn.
One vegetarian goulash recipe recommends putting mushrooms, tempeh, and carrots into the crock pot. Puree onions, tomato, bell pepper, garlic, and broth in a blender and add this mixture to the crock pot along with paprika, parsley, dill, caraway seed, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. Shortly before serving, puree silken tofu in a blender with some liquid from the crock pot and stir it in, then add the peas and heat through. Serve over cooked noodles, potatoes, rice, or other grains.
Another option is to make the goulash creamier by adding a block of cream cheese along with the shredded cheddar cheese. You can also kick up the spice by adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapenos.
When making vegetarian goulash in a crock pot, you can also experiment with different types of pasta. Instead of elbow macaroni, try regular or whole wheat penne, ditalini, cavatappi, farfalle, rigatoni, rotini, or another short pasta.
Additionally, you can serve vegetarian crock pot goulash with sides such as roasted sweet potatoes, roasted broccoli, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. For faster cleanup, use a crockpot liner.
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Pasta alternatives
Goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew that has become popular in many countries worldwide. It typically consists of beef or pork, vegetables such as onions and peppers, and spices like paprika, caraway seeds, garlic, and bay leaves. The meat is usually cut into cubes or strips and cooked with the other ingredients in a large pot over low heat for several hours until tender. Goulash can also be made with chicken or fish instead of red meat.
The key ingredient in goulash is pasta, which helps thicken the sauce and adds texture to the dish. However, not all pastas are created equal – some types of pasta work better than others in goulash. Here are some pasta alternatives for a delicious goulash:
Fusilli
Fusilli is a type of pasta shaped like a corkscrew or spiral. Its shape helps it hold sauces and other ingredients better than other types of pasta. Fusilli comes in many varieties, such as whole-wheat, gluten-free, and even coloured versions like spinach fusilli or squid ink fusilli.
Rigatoni
Rigatoni is a tubular pasta with ridges along the sides, which help hold sauces and other ingredients. It is larger than penne and ziti but smaller than mostaccioli. Rigatoni also comes in many varieties, including whole wheat, gluten-free, spinach-flavoured, and squid ink versions.
Elbow Macaroni
Elbow macaroni is one of the most popular types of pasta for goulash. Its shape makes it easy to scoop up sauces or gravies, making it perfect for hearty dishes. Elbow macaroni also comes in several varieties, including whole wheat, gluten-free, and enriched versions.
Penne
Penne pasta is a popular alternative to the traditional macaroni used in American goulash. It is a tubular pasta with diagonal ends. Penne is a great option if you want a slightly different texture and appearance than the classic macaroni.
Bowties, Shells, and Rotini
These pasta shapes can also be used in goulash, offering a fun and unique twist to the traditional dish. They can hold the sauce well and provide a different texture to the dish.
When choosing a pasta alternative for goulash, consider the shape and how it will hold the sauce. Also, keep in mind the availability of different pasta varieties, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options, to accommodate dietary preferences or allergies.
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Reheating and storing
When storing crockpot goulash, it's important to act quickly to prevent the pasta from overcooking. Transfer the goulash to a platter and let it cool, or put it directly into storage containers and place them in the fridge as soon as possible. The goulash will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and can be reheated gently in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, or in larger amounts in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. You can also freeze crockpot goulash for up to 3 months. To do this, let the goulash cool, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge and then heat it up in a stock pot. If the goulash is frozen for longer than 3 months, the noodles may change in texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Crockpot goulash is a simple, hearty dish that is made in a slow cooker. It is a combination of ground beef, vegetables, tomatoes, seasonings, and macaroni.
First, brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the excess oil. Then, add the beef to the crockpot with the vegetables, tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 5 hours. In the last 30-45 minutes, add the macaroni and cook until tender.
Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb. You can also make it vegetarian by substituting cooked or canned beans or lentils. Different types of pasta can be used, such as penne, shells, or bowties.
Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen goulash overnight in the fridge and then heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
