Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash (Printable)
Rich beef and vegetables slow-cooked with Hungarian paprika for deep, comforting flavors.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beef
01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 3 medium carrots, sliced
05 - 2 medium red bell peppers, chopped
06 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
→ Liquids
07 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
08 - 4 cups beef broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 3 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
10 - 1 tsp caraway seeds
11 - 1 tsp dried marjoram
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - 1 ½ tsp salt
14 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Thickeners and Finishing
15 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
16 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
17 - 3 tbsp cold water
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
19 - Sour cream, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
02 - Add onions, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes to the slow cooker with the beef.
03 - Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, beef broth, paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to combine.
04 - Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef and vegetables are very tender.
05 - For thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir into slow cooker 30 minutes before serving. Cook on high, uncovered, until thickened.
06 - Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and sour cream if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The beef becomes impossibly tender, practically melting into the rich, paprika stained sauce
- Your whole house will smell incredible for hours, making it impossible to wait until dinner time
02 -
- Searing the beef in batches, not all at once, prevents the meat from steaming and ensures proper browning
- Using authentic Hungarian sweet paprika instead of regular grocery store paprika is what makes this dish sing
03 -
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels before searing, it browns much better without excess moisture
- Don't skip the caraway seeds, they're the secret ingredient that makes people ask what's different