Crockpot Hungarian Goulash
Crockpot Hungarian goulash is a beloved dish that has been delighting taste buds for generations. This slow-cooked, comforting stew combines tender beef, rich paprika, and a blend of aromatic spices to create a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner on a chilly night or a crowd-pleasing dish to share with friends and family, this crockpot Hungarian goulash is sure to hit the spot. With its easy preparation and hands-off cooking, it’s the ultimate in convenience without sacrificing flavor.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this crockpot Hungarian goulash apart is the depth of flavor that develops during the long, slow cooking process. The combination of spices, including paprika, caraway, and garlic, creates a rich, comforting aroma that will have your mouth watering in anticipation. The tender beef and creamy texture provide a satisfying contrast, making this dish truly irresistible.
But the best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and forget it – the slow cooker does all the work for you. Plus, the make-ahead possibilities are endless, allowing you to enjoy this delicious goulash for days or even freeze it for future meals.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Crockpot Hungarian Goulash ❓
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
The beauty of this crockpot Hungarian goulash is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender beef, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato base creates the authentic Hungarian-inspired flavor profile that has made these slow-cooked recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Crockpot Hungarian Goulash Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
• Step 3: Pour the onion mixture into the crockpot with the beef. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
• Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
• Step 5: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Compared to traditional Hungarian goulash, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this crockpot version saves you significant time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
These crockpot Hungarian goulash recipes provide approximately 60% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the tomato paste and use diced tomatoes with no added sugar.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Serve over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of traditional egg noodles.
• Added protein: Stir in a can of white beans or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the crockpot for additional nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the crockpot Hungarian goulash.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal
• Complement with a hearty slice of crusty bread for sopping up the delicious broth
• For a cozy evening, serve alongside a glass of bold red wine or a cold beer
• Create a Hungarian-inspired platter with pickled vegetables, fresh dill, and sour cream on the side
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on spices: Don’t be afraid to use the full amount of paprika and caraway seeds called for in the recipe. These spices are essential for capturing the authentic Hungarian flavor profile.
• Not browning the beef: Taking the time to sear the beef cubes before adding them to the crockpot helps to lock in their juices and enhance the overall depth of flavor.
• Failing to adjust seasoning: Taste the goulash towards the end of cooking and adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed to suit your preferences.
• Overcrowding the crockpot: Make sure to leave enough room in the slow cooker for the ingredients to mingle and the flavors to develop properly.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These crockpot Hungarian goulash recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the ingredients as directed, but do not cook. Transfer the raw mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as usual.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked goulash to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the goulash on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, checking and stirring every 30 seconds to prevent drying out.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this crockpot Hungarian goulash ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the entire dish up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the goulash on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. The flavors will have had time to meld, making it even more delicious.
Can I substitute the beef with a different protein?
Yes, you can use other types of protein in this crockpot Hungarian goulash recipe. Pork or chicken would both work well, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. For pork, use boneless pork shoulder or loin, and for chicken, opt for boneless, skinless thighs or breasts.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
This crockpot Hungarian goulash recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. To make it dairy-free, simply serve it over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of traditional egg noodles. You can also omit any sour cream or cheese garnishes.
Why is my goulash turning out watery?
If your crockpot Hungarian goulash is coming out too watery, there are a few possible reasons. First, make sure you’re using the correct amount of beef broth and tomato paste as called for in the recipe. You can also try simmering the goulash uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate. Additionally, adding a cornstarch or flour slurry can help thicken the stew.
Can I add or substitute any vegetables?
Absolutely! This crockpot Hungarian goulash recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add or substitute vegetables to suit your preferences. Some great options include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, chopped spinach or kale, or even cubed potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These crockpot Hungarian goulash recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy, comforting dinner on a chilly night or as the centerpiece of a Hungarian-inspired feast, they’re sure to impress with their rich, authentic flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this crockpot Hungarian goulash demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the slow cooking process. So why not give this delicious recipe a try and enjoy the delightful aroma and satisfying taste of this timeless, slow-cooked dish?
Print
Crockpot Hungarian Goulash
- Total Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Ingredients
• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat until lightly seared on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a crockpot.
• Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
• Step 3: Pour the onion mixture into the crockpot with the beef. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
• Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
• Step 5: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Crockpot Hungarian Goulash
