Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this slow cooker goulash recipe! This hearty dish is perfect for a chilly evening, a family gathering, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the hard work, resulting in a rich and tender goulash that's bursting with delicious flavors. This easy recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a delicious dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp sweet Hungarian paprika (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1/2 tsp marjoram
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step adds a beautiful depth of flavor to your goulash. Set aside.
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Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the browned beef, paprika (both sweet and regular if using), caraway seeds, marjoram, cayenne pepper (if using), crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the vegetables are cooked through. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes!
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Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy! This delicious dish is perfect served with crusty bread for soaking up all that flavorful sauce.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Goulash:
- Don't skip searing the beef: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker creates a richer, deeper flavor.
- Adjust spices to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of paprika, cayenne pepper, or other spices to suit your preferences.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Use a good quality beef broth: The quality of your broth will significantly impact the final flavor of the goulash.
Variations:
- Spicy Goulash: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Goulash: Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or lentils.
- Chicken Goulash: Use 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of beef. Reduce cooking time accordingly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This slow cooker goulash recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals made easy. It's packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for the whole family. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights! This recipe truly showcases the best of easy recipes and delicious dishes, providing a comforting and flavorful meal without the fuss. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both experienced cooks and those just starting their culinary journey.