Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 7–8 hours (Low) or 4–5 hours (High)
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

2 lbs Beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 large Yellow onions, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 large Carrots, diced
3 tbsp Sweet Hungarian Paprika (the star of the show!)
1 can (15 oz) Tomato sauce (as seen in your image)
1 cup Beef broth
1 tsp Caraway seeds (optional, for authentic flavor)
2 Bay leaves
Salt & Pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup Sour cream (to stir in at the end)

Instructions

Prep the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. (Optional: Brown the beef in a skillet first for extra depth of flavor).
Layer: Place the chopped onions, garlic, and carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the beef on top.
Season: Sprinkle the paprika and caraway seeds over the meat.
Pour: Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth over the mixture. Do not worry if it doesn’t cover the meat entirely; the beef and onions will release plenty of liquid.
Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Finish: Remove bay leaves. If you like a creamy sauce, stir in the sour cream just before serving.

Description & Notes

This dish is a thick, savory stew characterized by its deep red color and smoky-sweet aroma. The slow cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissue in the beef chuck, resulting in meat that falls apart with a spoon.

Note on Paprika: Use “Sweet Hungarian Paprika” rather than generic “Paprika” or “Smoked Paprika” if possible. It provides the signature flavor without overpowering heat or smokiness.
The Sauce: The sauce will be thin at first but will thicken as the vegetables break down.

Top Cooking Tips

Don’t over-liquid: It’s tempting to add more broth, but the onions release a lot of water. You want a thick gravy, not a soup.
The Onion Ratio: Traditional Goulash uses a lot of onions (sometimes a 1:1 ratio with meat). They melt into the sauce and act as a natural thickener.
Searing: If you have time, sear the beef in a pan with a little oil before putting it in the crockpot. It locks in juices and adds a “roasted” complexity.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Metric	Amount
Calories	340 kcal
Protein	32g
Fat	16g
Carbs	12g
Fiber	3g

Benefits of This Dish

High Protein: Excellent for muscle repair and satiety.
Rich in Iron: Beef is a primary source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body.
Antioxidants: Paprika is loaded with Vitamin A and carotenoids, which support eye health and reduce inflammation.