Description
This Slow Cooker Goulash is a rich and flavorful dish made with tender beef, tomatoes, and classic spices. Simmered low and slow, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat (or ground beef)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using stew meat)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons paprika (Hungarian paprika preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (or egg noodles for serving)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat (Optional for Extra Flavor):
- If using stew meat, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef for 3–4 minutes per side until browned.
- Transfer to the slow cooker. (If using ground beef, brown it with the onions in the next step.)
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook:
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and sugar to the slow cooker.
- Stir well, cover, and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Cook the Pasta & Serve:
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook elbow macaroni separately according to package directions.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the goulash, or serve the goulash over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish & Enjoy:
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep everything the night before and store in the fridge. In the morning, just dump it into the slow cooker!
- For a Thicker Sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Hungarian vs. American Goulash: This version is a blend of both—rich like Hungarian goulash but easy like American-style.
- Recipe Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg