Name: Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Hungarian-Inspired
Ingredients: ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 tbsp Hungarian paprika; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups low-sodium beef broth; Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped

Savor Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Goulash, a rich, comforting dish with tender beef and vibrant paprika-spiced sauce. This easy, Hungarian-inspired meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is a warm, soul-satisfying dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful stew with tender beef and a smoky, paprika-infused sauce. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this Hungarian-inspired recipe is effortless, thanks to the slow cooker, which melds robust flavors with minimal prep and cleanup. Budget-friendly and versatile, it accommodates dietary tweaks and pairs beautifully with noodles, rice, or crusty bread. Packed with protein and comforting textures, this goulash is a family favorite that delivers wholesome, satisfying goodness everyone will love.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Brown Beef First: Sear beef for deeper flavor before adding to the slow cooker.

Use Hungarian Paprika: Authentic Hungarian paprika ensures rich, smoky flavor; sweet or smoked varieties work too.
Layer Veggies: Place denser veggies like carrots at the bottom for even cooking.
Check Sauce Thickness: Add a cornstarch slurry near the end for a thicker sauce if desired.

Taste and Adjust: Season near the end, as paprika and broth intensify flavors.
Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Yield: 8 Servings

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Goulash, a rich, paprika-spiced dish perfect for cozy, flavorful dinners.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 tbsp Hungarian paprika
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prep Beef: Cube beef and season with salt and pepper for a flavorful start.
Brown Beef: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high; sear beef for 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté onion and carrots for 5 minutes; add garlic for 1 minute.

Deglaze Pan: Add ½ cup beef broth to the skillet, scraping up browned bits; pour into slow cooker.
Add Seasonings: Stir tomato paste, paprika, and remaining broth into the slow cooker.
Include Bell Pepper: Add diced red bell pepper for color and subtle sweetness.

Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender.
Check Consistency: Stir and adjust seasoning; add a cornstarch slurry if a thicker sauce is desired.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the goulash and add more salt or paprika if needed for balance.

Serve with Flair: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy this rich, hearty dish!

Notes

Browning beef enhances flavor but can be skipped; raw beef will cook through in the slow cooker.
Use Hungarian paprika for authentic taste; adjust quantity for desired intensity.

Leftovers deepen in flavor, perfect for next-day meals or freezing.
Serve with egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 298Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 94mgSodium 428mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 30g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Beef: Chuck roast or stew meat, cubed, offers tender, flavorful results; sirloin is a leaner option.
Paprika: Hungarian paprika is key for authentic flavor; sweet or smoked paprika adds depth.

Onion: Yellow onion provides a savory-sweet base; red onion is a milder alternative.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and texture; parsnips can substitute for variety.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma; garlic powder is a quick substitute.

Tomato Paste: Adds rich, tangy depth; canned diced tomatoes work for a chunkier texture.
Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth controls saltiness; vegetable broth can substitute if needed.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and subtle sweetness; green bell pepper offers a sharper flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use pork, lamb, or tofu for a vegetarian version; adjust cook time accordingly.
Veggie Add-Ins: Include potatoes, celery, or green beans for extra heartiness and nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Add cayenne, chili flakes, or hot paprika for a fiery kick.

Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth and tomato paste are gluten-free certified.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms or lentils with vegetable broth for a meat-free dish.

Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme, bay leaf, or parsley for additional flavor depth.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore consistency.
Meal Prep: Portion into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.