Name: Hungarian-Style Slow Cooker Goulash
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 lb russet potatoes, 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 Hungarian-Style Slow Cooker Goulash, a rich, comforting stew with tender beef and smoky paprika. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, delivering authentic Hungarian warmth with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hungarian-Style Slow Cooker Goulash is a heartwarming, soulful dish that brings the bold, smoky flavors of Hungary to your table with ease. Tender beef, vibrant paprika, and hearty vegetables meld into a rich, savory stew, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. This budget-friendly recipe requires minimal prep, letting the slow cooker create a deeply flavorful meal with little cleanup. Its versatility allows for dietary customizations, making it a family favorite. Serve with noodles or bread for a wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s both comforting and delicious, leaving everyone eager for seconds.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use Hungarian Paprika: Authentic Hungarian paprika is key for smoky, rich flavor; sweet or smoked varieties work.

Brown Beef: Sear beef for deeper flavor before adding to the slow cooker.
Layer Veggies: Place denser vegetables like carrots at the bottom for even cooking.
Thicken Sauce: Add a cornstarch slurry near the end for a thicker, glossy sauce.

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

Yield: 8 Servings

Hungarian-Style Slow Cooker Goulash

Hungarian-Style Slow Cooker Goulash, a rich, paprika-spiced stew perfect for cozy, flavorful dinners.

Ingredients

¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 lb russet potatoes, 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, Hungarian paprika, and remaining broth into the slow cooker.
Include Potatoes: Add diced potatoes, ensuring they’re submerged for even cooking.

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 for a thicker sauce if desired.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the goulash and add more salt or paprika for balanced flavor.

Serve with Flair: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy this hearty, Hungarian-inspired stew!

Notes

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

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

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 349Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 94mgSodium 435mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 31g

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, cubed, offers tender, flavorful results; stew meat is a convenient alternative.
Hungarian Paprika: Provides authentic smoky, sweet flavor; regular paprika is less robust.

Onion: Yellow onion adds savory depth; red onion offers a milder flavor.
Carrots: Fresh carrots bring 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.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes hold shape well; Yukon Gold adds buttery flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

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

Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth and tomato paste are gluten-free certified.
Low-Carb: Omit potatoes or use cauliflower for a lighter dish.
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth.

Herb Variations: Add thyme, bay leaf, or caraway seeds for extra 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 with a splash of broth to restore consistency; stir well.
Meal Prep: Portion into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.