Slow Cooker Beef and Paprika Goulash
Savor Slow Cooker Beef and Paprika Goulash, a hearty, comforting stew with tender beef, rich paprika, and savory veggies. This effortless crockpot meal is perfect for cozy dinners, delivering bold Hungarian flavors with minimal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef and Paprika Goulash is a soul-warming, flavorful dish that transforms tough beef into a tender, paprika-infused stew, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. This budget-friendly recipe is a breeze to prepare, with the slow cooker melding deep, smoky flavors effortlessly, requiring minimal effort and cleanup. Its versatility allows for spice and veggie tweaks, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Packed with protein, vitamins, and classic Hungarian taste, this goulash pairs beautifully with noodles, rice, or crusty bread, offering a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is simple to make.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sear Beef First: Brown beef for deeper flavor and better texture before slow cooking.
- Use Sweet Paprika: Opt for sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor; smoked for a twist.
- Layer Veggies: Place denser vegetables like carrots at the bottom for even cooking.
- Use Low Heat: Cook on low for tender beef and well-melded flavors.
- Adjust Consistency: Add more broth for a soupier goulash or simmer to thicken.
- Taste and Season: Adjust salt and paprika at the end, as flavors intensify during cooking.
Slow Cooker Beef and Paprika Goulash
Slow Cooker Beef and Paprika Goulash, a hearty, flavorful crockpot stew perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- Optional garnish: extra parsley, sour cream
Instructions
- Season Beef: Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp paprika for a flavorful start.
- Sear Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high; sear beef for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Prep Veggies: Dice onion and bell pepper, slice carrots, and mince garlic for a colorful base.
- Layer Crockpot: Place carrots, bell pepper, and onion in a 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking.
- Add Beef: Place seared beef cubes on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Season Further: Sprinkle remaining paprika and garlic over the beef and veggies.
- Pour Broth: Add beef broth, ensuring ingredients are mostly submerged; stir gently.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Check Consistency: Stir goulash; add more broth if too thick or simmer to thicken.
- Serve with Flair: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley and a dollop of sour cream, and enjoy this hearty stew!
Notes
- Searing beef enhances flavor but can be skipped; raw beef will cook through in the slow cooker.
- Use high-quality Hungarian paprika for authentic taste; avoid generic paprika.
- Leftovers thicken in the fridge; add broth when reheating to adjust consistency.
- Serve with egg noodles, spaetzle, or crusty bread for a complete Hungarian-inspired meal.
Ingredients Notes
- Beef Chuck: Provides rich, tender flavor; stew meat or brisket are alternatives.
- Paprika: Sweet Hungarian paprika is key; use a mix of sweet and smoked for depth.
- Onion: Yellow onion builds a savory base; red onion offers a sweeter profile.
- Bell Peppers: Red or yellow add sweetness and color; green peppers are sharper.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness; baby carrots save prep time.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma; garlic powder is a quick substitute.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth controls saltiness; vegetable broth can substitute.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley offers a bright garnish; cilantro or chives can substitute.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use pork shoulder or lamb for a different flavor; adjust cooking time.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include potatoes, celery, or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth is gluten-free certified.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt for a lighter dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add hot paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes for a fiery twist.
- Creamy Version: Stir in sour cream or yogurt at the end for a creamier goulash.
- Herb Variations: Swap parsley for dill or thyme for different flavor profiles.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers 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 with noodles or rice for easy meals throughout the week.
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