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
Crock Pot Cheesy Beef Goulash
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
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.
What are some good side dishes for goulash?
I like a warm side of buttered french bread with my goulash. OK, maybe two pieces. 🙂
More of my Favorite Crock Pot Dinners:
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
Enjoy!