One-Pot Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
Savor One-Pot Slow Cooker Beef Goulash, a hearty dish with tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and warm paprika. This comforting, slow-cooked meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, delivering robust Hungarian-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is a soul-warming dish that brings together succulent beef, vibrant vegetables, and a paprika-infused tomato sauce, creating a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. This budget-friendly recipe is effortless, with the slow cooker melding savory flavors while requiring minimal prep and cleanup. Its versatility allows for dietary tweaks, making it a family favorite. Packed with protein and bold Hungarian-inspired taste, this goulash pairs beautifully with noodles, rice, or crusty bread, offering a wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Brown Beef First: Sear beef for deeper flavor and better texture before slow cooking.
- Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Layer Veggies: Place denser vegetables like carrots at the bottom for even cooking.
- Adjust Paprika: Taste and adjust paprika for desired warmth; use smoked for extra depth.
- Check Sauce Consistency: Add more broth if too thick or simmer to reduce if too thin.
- Skim Fat: Remove excess fat from the surface after cooking for a cleaner broth.
One-Pot Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
One-Pot Slow Cooker Beef Goulash, a hearty, savory dish perfect for cozy, flavorful dinners.
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Beef: Cube beef chuck roast and season with salt and pepper for a flavorful start.
- Brown Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high; sear beef for 5-7 minutes until browned, then transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers for 4-5 minutes; add garlic for 1 minute.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Move sautéed veggies to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add Sauce and Broth: Pour tomato sauce and beef broth over the ingredients, stirring gently.
- Season the Goulash: Add paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to distribute flavors evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Add Carrots: Stir in sliced carrots halfway through cooking (about 4 hours on low) for tender texture.
- Check Consistency: Stir and add more broth if too thick or simmer briefly if too thin.
- Serve with Flair: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy this hearty, flavorful goulash!
Notes
- Browning beef enhances flavor but can be skipped; raw beef will cook through in the slow cooker.
- Add carrots halfway to maintain texture; they soften quickly.
- Leftovers are great over noodles, rice, or in wraps for quick meals.
- Serve with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete dinner.
Ingredients Notes
- Beef: Chuck roast, cubed, offers rich flavor; stew meat is a convenient alternative.
- Onion: Yellow onion builds a savory base; red onion provides a milder flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add sweetness and color; yellow peppers work too.
- Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce forms a rich base; crushed tomatoes add texture.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth controls saltiness; vegetable broth can substitute.
- Paprika: Sweet paprika adds warmth; smoked or hot paprika enhances flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic boosts aroma; garlic powder is a quick substitute.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness; baby carrots save prep time.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use pork, lamb, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version; adjust cooking time.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include potatoes, parsnips, or green beans for extra heartiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add hot paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes for a fiery twist.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth and tomato sauce are gluten-free certified.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and tomato sauce; adjust salt to taste.
- Grain Addition: Serve with egg noodles, rice, or quinoa for varied texture.
- Herb Variations: Add thyme, bay leaf, or parsley for different flavor profiles.
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.
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