Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef Goulash with Paprika is a rich, comforting, and aromatic dish that brings classic Hungarian flavors to your home with minimal effort. Tender chunks of beef simmer slowly with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a generous amount of sweet paprika, creating a deeply flavorful sauce that is both hearty and satisfying.

This goulash is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the paprika and aromatics infuse every bite with warmth and depth. It’s a classic comfort food that’s robust, rustic, and full of traditional flavors, yet simple enough for everyday cooking.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it effortlessly combines rich, bold flavors with tender, juicy beef. The slow cooker allows the beef to cook low and slow, absorbing the paprika, onions, and peppers to create a sauce that’s thick, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—minimal prep, minimal hands-on cooking, yet the flavor is complex and authentic. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main course but comforting enough to make your kitchen smell like home-cooked bliss.

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it delivers authentic Hungarian-inspired flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef, sweet paprika, and aromatic vegetables creates a meal that is both hearty and flavorful.

Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is versatile, perfect for serving over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread, and it appeals to both adults and kids. Its rich sauce, tender beef, and comforting aroma make it an unforgettable meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6–8 hours
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~450–500 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Hungarian / Central European

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (red and/or green), diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2–3 tbsp sweet paprika (Hungarian preferred)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, traditional)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Sear the beef (optional but recommended): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
2. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add paprika and tomato paste; cook 1 minute to release flavors.
3. Combine in slow cooker: Transfer sautéed vegetables and spices to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, caraway seeds, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender and sauce is thickened.
5. Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cut beef into 1-inch cubes; dice onions, bell peppers, and mince garlic.
2. (Optional) Sear beef cubes in batches in olive oil until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
3. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes; add paprika and tomato paste, cooking 1 minute.
4. Transfer sautéed vegetables and spices to slow cooker; add diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and slow cook 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
6. Remove bay leaf; adjust seasoning.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, over noodles, rice, potatoes, or with bread.

How to Serve

Serve this goulash hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce. A dollop of sour cream adds extra creaminess and traditional flair.

Recipe Tips

• Searing the beef enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
• Use Hungarian sweet paprika for authentic taste; smoked paprika adds depth.
• Adjust cooking time based on beef cut and desired tenderness.
• Caraway seeds are optional but give a traditional flavor note.
• For thicker sauce, remove lid during last 30 minutes of cooking on high.

Variations

• Vegetable-Enhanced: Add diced carrots, potatoes, or parsnips for extra heartiness.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers.
• Slow Cooker Freezer Meal: Assemble ingredients (except fresh parsley) in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before slow cooking.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently on stove or in slow cooker.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
• Skillet for searing beef and sautéing vegetables (optional)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use stew beef instead of chuck?
A: Yes, but chuck is preferred for tenderness and richness.

Q: Do I have to sear the beef?
A: Searing adds flavor but can be skipped for convenience; slow cooker will tenderize beef.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Add cayenne, chili powder, or fresh peppers to taste.

Q: Can I thicken the sauce?
A: Remove lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Goulash with Paprika is a hearty, aromatic, and comforting dish perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. Its tender beef, sweet paprika, and rich, flavorful sauce make it a true comfort food classic. Minimal hands-on effort and maximum flavor make this slow cooker goulash a must-have recipe in any kitchen. Whether served over noodles, rice, or potatoes, it’s a warm, satisfying, and unforgettable meal.