Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash (Print Version)
Tender beef and vegetables slow-cooked with sweet paprika for a rich, comforting Hungarian-inspired meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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
# How to Cook:
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 all ingredients.
04 - Cover and cook on low setting 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 create a slurry. Stir into slow cooker 30 minutes before serving. Cook on high, uncovered, until thickened.
06 - Remove bay leaf and taste for seasoning adjustments. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy alone or with crusty bread or egg noodles.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while your kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma
- Leftovers taste even better, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
02 -
- Searing the beef might feel like an extra step, but that brown crust creates layers of flavor you can't achieve any other way
- Authentic Hungarian paprika is worth seeking out—regular grocery store paprika is often bland and dusty by comparison
03 -
- Dont rush the browning step—let those beef cubes develop a real crust in the hot skillet
- Taste your paprika before adding—if it lacks aroma, it won't deliver the flavor you need