Let me tell you, slow cooker Hungarian goulash is one of my absolute favorite comfort foods! It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. The hearty flavors of tender beef, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables simmer together beautifully, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. I remember the first time I made this goulash; I couldn’t believe how easy it was to create such a rich and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious waiting for you at home. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your delicious slow cooker Hungarian goulash:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to please your taste buds!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash
Let’s dive into the magic of making this slow cooker Hungarian goulash! First, grab a skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, brown the beef in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan, or it won’t get that lovely sear! This step really locks in all those flavors. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Next, in the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the paprika and caraway seeds to let those spices bloom—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly! Now, add this mixture to the slow cooker alongside the bell pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, and sliced carrots. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. When it’s done, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal ready to enjoy. Serve it hot, and don’t forget to soak up that delicious sauce with some crusty bread—yum!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my slow cooker Hungarian goulash, which is about 1 cup:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this hearty meal knowing it’s packed with nutrition!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple preparation with minimal hands-on time
- Rich and flavorful outcome that warms the soul
- Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly nights
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets
- One-pot meal means easy cleanup!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better!
Tips for Success
To nail your slow cooker Hungarian goulash, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skip the browning step—it’s crucial for adding depth to the flavor. Also, make sure to cut your vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly. If you like a thicker sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water during the last hour of cooking. And remember, the longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together, so patience is key! Enjoy the process!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to change up your slow cooker Hungarian goulash! For a veggie boost, add in some diced zucchini or mushrooms—both are delicious! You could also swap out the beef for pork or even chicken for a different protein twist. Spice lovers might enjoy adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick, or trying smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving slow cooker Hungarian goulash, I love pairing it with some crusty bread for dipping—it’s a must! A simple light salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette is also a fantastic accompaniment, balancing the hearty flavors of the goulash. You could even serve it over a bed of egg noodles or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious slow cooker Hungarian goulash, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen it up. You can also microwave it until hot. Enjoy those flavors all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of meat? Absolutely! While beef chuck is perfect for slow cooking, you can also use brisket or even pork shoulder for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this goulash ahead of time? Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier!
What if I don’t have caraway seeds? No problem! You can skip them or substitute with a pinch of cumin for a different twist.
Can I freeze slow cooker Hungarian goulash? Yes, it freezes beautifully! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months.
Is this goulash spicy? Not really! It has a warm, rich flavor from the paprika, but you can always add cayenne pepper if you like some heat.
For more delicious recipes, check out my blog for inspiration!
For a deeper understanding of the nutritional benefits of goulash, you can visit Healthline for more information.
Print
Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash: 5 Comforting Secrets Inside
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker Hungarian goulash.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the beef in batches, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft.
- Stir in paprika and caraway seeds, then add to the slow cooker.
- Add bell pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots to the slow cooker.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Add more vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, Hungarian goulash, beef stew