🥘 Slow Cooker Beef Goulash Recipe
This Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender chunks of beef, sweet onions, paprika, and a rich savory sauce. Inspired by classic Hungarian flavors, this crockpot version lets the beef slowly become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the spices create a deep, cozy flavor.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours (Low) or 4–5 hours (High)
- Total Time: About 8 hours
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
Beef & Vegetables
- 2½ pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (optional)
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
Goulash Sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, traditional flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- Extra paprika for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef (Recommended)
- Pat beef dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown beef pieces on all sides for 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer to the slow cooker.
(Browning adds a deeper, richer flavor, but you can skip this step.)
2. Add Ingredients
Add to the crockpot:
- Beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Potatoes
3. Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together:
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Paprika
- Smoked paprika
- Caraway seeds
- Thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
Pour over the beef and vegetables.
Add bay leaves.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 7–8 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
Cook until the beef is fork-tender.
5. Finish the Goulash
- Remove bay leaves.
- Stir in sour cream for a creamy version (optional).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
🍞 Crusty bread for dipping
🍜 Egg noodles
🥔 Mashed potatoes
🍚 Steamed rice
🥗 Simple cucumber salad
🥟 Dumplings or spaetzle (German-style)
Tips for the Best Beef Goulash
- Use beef chuck roast for the most tender result.
- Don’t skimp on paprika—it’s the signature flavor.
- Add paprika gently and avoid burning it during browning, as it can become bitter.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 20 minutes.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm slowly on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Variations
🇭🇺 Traditional Hungarian Style: Use extra sweet paprika, onions, and serve with noodles instead of potatoes.
🍄 Creamy Mushroom Goulash: Add mushrooms and finish with sour cream.
🌶️ Spicy Goulash: Add hot paprika or chili flakes.
🥓 Smoky Version: Add diced smoked bacon for extra depth.
This Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is a warm, rustic meal with tender beef, rich paprika sauce, and comforting old-world flavors—perfect for a cozy family dinner. 🥘✨