Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash (Printable)
Tender beef cubes slow-cooked in a rich, paprika-infused sauce with onions, carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 large onions, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 large carrots, sliced
05 - 2 red bell peppers, chopped
06 - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
07 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Spices & Seasonings
08 - 3 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 tsp caraway seeds
11 - 1 tsp dried marjoram
12 - 2 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
14 - 2 bay leaves
→ Liquids
15 - 4 cups beef broth
16 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ To Finish
17 - 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches until well-seared on all sides. Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.
02 - Add onions, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker with the beef.
03 - Sprinkle in both types of paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, pepper, and bay leaves over the ingredients.
04 - Pour in beef broth and add tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients and distribute seasonings evenly.
05 - Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until beef is very tender and vegetables are cooked through.
06 - For a thicker stew, whisk flour with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the goulash during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
07 - Remove bay leaves and taste for seasoning adjustment. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany with crusty bread, egg noodles, or dumplings.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day
- This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
- Dont skip searing the beef, as this step builds the deep flavor base that makes goulash memorable
- Sweet Hungarian paprika is completely different from regular paprika, so seek it out at specialty stores
03 -
- Toast your caraway seeds briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the slow cooker to unlock their flavor
- If your stew is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the tomatoes