Spread generic canned tomato sauce across frozen raw beef hot dogs, grouped with 2 ingredients, into slow cooker for a budget friendly bite that disappears faster than anything else

This slow cooker August goulash is the kind of budget-friendly meal that stretches simple pantry and freezer staples into something warm, filling, and easy to share. It leans on the familiar combination of hot dogs, tomato sauce, and pasta for a comforting, old-school supper with very little prep, which makes it especially handy on busy days when you still want a hot meal waiting for everyone.

Serve this with buttered bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad to round out the meal. If you want to make it feel a little heartier, a spoonful of shredded cheddar on top or a side of steamed green beans goes really nicely with the tangy tomato sauce and tender pasta.

Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man August Goulash

Servings: 6

Finished hot dog goulash plated in a bowl

Ingredients

8 frozen beef hot dogs
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 medium onion, diced

Directions

1. Add the frozen beef hot dogs to the slow cooker and spread the tomato sauce evenly over the top. Scatter in the diced onion.

Hot dogs covered with sauce and onion in slow cooker

2. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the hot dogs are heated through and the onion has softened.

Cooked hot dogs and softened onion in tomato sauce

3. Slice the hot dogs into bite-size pieces right in the slow cooker or remove them to a cutting board and return them to the sauce.

4. Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni in salted water on the stove according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well.

5. Stir the drained macaroni into the slow cooker and mix until everything is well coated in sauce. Let it sit on warm for 5 to 10 minutes, then serve hot.

Final plated bowl of hot dog goulash with bread

Variations & Tips

For picky eaters: If onion texture is a tough sell at your table, grate the onion instead of dicing it so it melts more smoothly into the sauce while it cooks.

Smoother goulash variation with finely blended onion

Make it cheesier: Stir in 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar at the very end for a creamier, kid-friendly version that feels extra cozy.

Pasta tip: Keep the macaroni separate until the end so it does not soak up too much liquid or turn overly soft in the slow cooker.

Storage tip: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a small splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce.