Slow Cooker Goulash: Ultimate Comfort
A hearty and warming Hungarian-style goulash, featuring tender chunks of beef slow-simmered in a rich, flavorful paprika-infused sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp sweet paprika Hungarian if possible
- 1 tsp hot paprika optional
- 4 cups beef broth low sodium
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 400g can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 large red bell pepper chopped
- 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste
- sour cream for serving (optional)
- fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until nicely seared on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker insert.
- Add the chopped onions to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sweet paprika and hot paprika (if using), cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour the onion mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Add the remaining beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots, potatoes, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley, if desired. Pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For an authentic touch, use Hungarian sweet paprika. You can also add other root vegetables like parsnips or celery root. Serve this goulash over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley garnish enhances the flavor and presentation.