Goulash, a hearty and flavorful stew originating from Hungary, has become a beloved comfort food all around the world. It’s a dish that warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner.
If you’re looking for the best slow cooker goulash recipe, you’ve come to the right place.This recipe delivers rich, tender chunks of meat, vibrant vegetables, and a robust paprika-infused sauce that will leave you craving seconds.
| Name | Best Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe |
| Cuisine | Fusion |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 8 hours |
| Total Time | 8 hours |
| Servings | 8 servings |
| Yield | 6 servings |
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups of diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup of beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and brown it on all sides. This step helps seal in the flavors. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Spices:
Stir in the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds. Cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the onion and spice mixture to the slow cooker with the beef. Add the diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth. Season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Slow Cooker Magic:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together. You can also cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a hurry.
Serve and Garnish:
Once the goulash is ready, ladle it into bowls. If desired, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread, noodles, or over cooked rice.
Enjoy your homemade slow cooker goulash, a delicious blend of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors. This dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want a comforting and satisfying meal without the fuss.
The best slow cooker goulash recipe is all about patience and the right blend of spices. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to savor the authentic taste of Hungarian goulash without spending hours in the kitchen. Let your slow cooker do the work, and delight in the wonderful aroma that fills your home as this flavorful dish simmers to perfection. Share it with family and friends, and make it a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – approximate)
- Calories: 400 calories (depending on serving size and optional toppings)
- Protein: 28-32 grams
- Carbohydrates: 14-18 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugars: 5-7 grams
- Total Fat: 24 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7-9 grams
- Cholesterol: 90-110 mg
- Sodium: 500-600 mg
- Potassium: 600-700 mg
- Vitamin A: 25-30% DV (Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 70-80% DV
- Calcium: 4-6% DV
- Iron: 20-25% DV
10 Simple Variations of The Best Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe
Goulash lovers, rejoice! We’ve got the best slow cooker goulash recipe to satisfy your cravings. Tender beef, savory spices, and hearty veggies meld together in a pot of deliciousness. But why stop at just one variation? Explore our 10 simple twists on this classic dish for a culinary adventure that’ll keep your taste buds intrigued.
- Beef and Mushroom Goulash:
Enhance your goulash with earthy flavors by adding sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker. The mushrooms absorb the rich paprika sauce, creating a savory and hearty dish that’s perfect for mushroom lovers.
- Vegetarian Goulash:
Skip the meat and create a delicious vegetarian goulash by substituting beef with a medley of colorful bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes. The slow-cooked veggies soak up the flavorful sauce for a satisfying meatless option.
- Spicy Goulash:
Add a kick to your goulash by incorporating a touch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. The subtle heat complements the rich paprika and smoky flavors, creating a spicy twist on this classic dish.
- Beef and Pork Goulash:
Combine the best of both worlds by mixing tender beef with succulent pork. The dual meat combination results in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and an even richer flavor profile.
- Goulash with Dumplings:
Serve your goulash over soft and fluffy dumplings, creating a comforting European-inspired meal. The dumplings soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite a delight.
- Goulash with Noodles:
Swap out the traditional sides for egg noodles. Their mild flavor pairs beautifully with the savory goulash, and the noodles absorb the sauce for an extra tasty experience.
- Smoked Sausage Goulash:
Introduce a smoky twist by adding sliced smoked sausage to the mix. The smokiness pairs wonderfully with the paprika and transforms your goulash into a savory sensation.
- Goulash with Red Wine:
Elevate the richness of your goulash by incorporating a splash of red wine. The wine infuses the dish with depth and complexity, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.
- Goulash with Chickpeas:
Boost the protein content and add a unique twist by including chickpeas in your goulash. They soak up the flavors and create a delightful texture contrast.
- Slow Cooker Goulash Soup:
Transform your goulash into a hearty soup by adding extra beef broth. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly days.
Indulge in the ultimate slow cooker goulash recipe, a hearty blend of tender beef, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables. But don’t stop there! Elevate your goulash game with these 10 simple variations. From veggie-packed renditions to global influences like Tex-Mex and Asian flavors, there’s a goulash twist for every palate. Dive into a world of culinary creativity and savor the delicious diversity of this classic dish.
