We’re a big pasta family, but I’m a big convenience cook. What I mean is that if there are too many steps, or ingredients I check the heck out. For real.

If you’re like me in this way, you’re going to love the dinners that I share because they’re all easy and totally doable. Not to mention, the majority of them can be made ahead which is key for moms and dads that work outside of the home.

This ground beef goulash recipe is one of my family’s favorites. It’s a simple goulash recipe that I make time and time again because every single person in my whole family loves it.

If you’re after a cheesy beef goulash that is a crowd pleaser, this my friends, is it!

Cheesy Beef Goulash

I’ve been making this easy recipe for goulash for years, but I’ve always omitted the cheese and I’ve generally always made it on the stovetop. So, Crock Pot loving me thought – why can’t I make a version of this easy hamburger goulash recipe with cheese and in the slow cooker? And, in enters the best cheesy beef goulash known to the history of man (and woman, might I add).

In case you’re wondering what this tastes most like, I would describe this goulash recipe (easy hamburger recipe) as a lasagna goulash.

The addition of ricotta and cream cheese give it the creaminess of lasagna that an old fashioned goulash recipe just doesn’t have. Which is what makes it unique.

Want to know (quite possibly) the best part about this dinner for me? When it’s just the four of us (my husband and our two kids) the leftovers go great in a Thermos for on the go dinners, for those nights where you don’t have time to actually sit down at the table together and eating on the go is the only way to get a dinner in.

If you’re worried about the noodles cooking in the Crockpot, don’t be, they come out with the perfect texture. If you really truly dislike slow cooked noodles, there is a recipe here for Slow Cooker Goulash made as a sauce and cooked noodles added in afterwards.

In case you’re interested, I have another Crockpot Goulash that does not contain the ingredients adding so much dairy.

Here are the clif notes steps to making this goulash recipe:

1. Brown ground beef
2. Mix creamy stuff
3. Layer sauce, creamy mixture, beef and noodles
4. Cook in Crock Pot
5. Enjoy!

I mean … a hamburger goulash recipe just doesn’t get much easier than this, right? And, goulash with cheese? Yes, please!

Alright, let’s get to making this delicious Crock Pot dinner!

Cheesy Beef Goulash (American Chop Suey Cheesy version) Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp fresh parsley
2 (24 oz) jars spaghetti sauce, divided
1 (24 oz) jar water
1 (16 oz) box Cavatappi pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Crock Pot Cheesy Beef Goulash

My family goes crazy over this Cheesy Crock Pot Goulash. We eat every single bit down to the last piece of pasta, and the leftovers are even better!

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 25

Servings people

Calories 570kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp fresh parsley
2 24 oz jars spaghetti sauce, divided
1 24 oz jar water
1 16 oz box Cavatappi pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Brown and crumble ground beef
Drain excess grease and set aside
In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, minced garlic and parsley
In the bottom of a 6 quart (or larger) slow cooker, add half a jar of spaghetti sauce
Evenly layer half the box of the Cavatappi pasta on top of sauce
Pour remaining jar of spaghetti sauce over noodles
Pour on half a jar of water
Layer half the cooked ground beef mixture over top
Dollop the entire cream cheese mixture evenly as possible over the beef layer, don't stir the mixture
Evenly layer the rest of the Cavatappi pasta on top of the cream cheese layer
Top with remaining jar spaghetti sauce
Pour another half jar of water on top of spaghetti sauce
Finally, layer the rest of the cooked ground beef on top
Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or high for 2 hours
Stir mixture carefully but well
Layer 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top
Cover for an additional 15-20 minutes
Carefully remove Crock Pot from metal base and broil in oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese is browned to liking and cheese is melted

Nutrition

You’re going to love this dinner, there’s no doubt about it!

What’s the difference between goulash and beef stew?

The biggest difference between goulash and beef stew is that goulash has noodles where beef stew typically does not, beef stew usually has potatoes instead.