Slow Cooker Spiced Hungarian Goulash

Name: Slow Cooker Spiced Hungarian Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 large onions, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp caraway seeds; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 3 cups beef broth; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 bell peppers, sliced; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Egg noodles or spaetzle for serving

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 8 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Gather 'round for a cozy, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out: Slow Cooker Spiced Hungarian Goulash. This dish takes a beloved classic and infuses it with a hint of spice, making it perfect for those chilly evenings. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the enticing aroma wafting through your home.

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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Spiced Hungarian Goulash

The star of the show is the beef chuck, known for its succulence and tenderness after a long, slow cook. Olive oil helps sear the beef, locking in flavors. Onions and garlic provide a savory base, while sweet paprika and smoked paprika lend a rich, earthy depth. Caraway seeds and cayenne pepper add a hint of spice and complexity. Beef broth and diced tomatoes create a luscious, tangy sauce, with bell peppers adding a touch of sweetness. Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami factor, and sour cream brings a creamy finish. Top it all off with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of red wine during the deglazing step.
If you like your goulash with a little more heat, adjust the cayenne pepper to taste.
To make the dish gluten-free, serve it over rice or mashed potatoes instead of egg noodles or spaetzle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this goulash over a bed of warm egg noodles or spaetzle, allowing the sauce to coat every bite. A side of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce in the bowl. Consider pairing with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of beef?: Yes, you can use beef stew meat or any cut that's suitable for slow cooking.
How can I store leftovers?: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?: Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but the beef may not be as tender as the low setting.

Slow Cooker Spiced Hungarian Goulash Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef chuck pieces in batches, searing them until they’re browned on all sides. Transfer the beef to your slow cooker as each batch is done.

In the same skillet, toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the sweet paprika, caraway seeds, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook this mixture for about a minute to let the spices bloom.

Next, pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. This deglazing step adds a ton of flavor to your goulash. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the beef. Add the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and Worcestershire sauce. Season everything with salt and pepper, giving it a good stir to combine.

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Just before serving, stir in the sour cream for a creamy touch, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Soul-warming comfort in a bowl, perfect for cold weather.
Effortless slow cooker preparation, ideal for busy days.
Aromatic spices that elevate the traditional goulash flavor.
Rich and tender beef that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cubed

2 tbsp olive oil

2 large onions, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp sweet paprika

1 tsp caraway seeds

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

3 cups beef broth

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

2 bell peppers, sliced

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Egg noodles or spaetzle for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef chunks in batches.

2. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

3. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft.

4. Stir in sweet paprika, caraway seeds, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute.

5. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom.

6. Add the deglazed mixture to the slow cooker along with diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and Worcestershire sauce.

7. Season with salt and pepper, stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until beef is tender.