Hey there! Today, I want to share a delightful recipe that takes me back to cozy family dinners around the table – it’s Slow Cooker Goulash. This hearty dish has been a staple in my household, especially on those chilly evenings when we all crave something warm and comforting. The aroma of this goulash simmering away in the slow cooker is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too.
Slow Cooker Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s incredibly easy to make – perfect for those busy days when you’ve got a million things on your plate. I remember the first time I cooked this for my family; it was a hit! My kids even asked for seconds, which is always a good sign, right? Plus, it doesn’t require you to stand over the stove for hours. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, let it do its magic, and voilà – dinner is served!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients like beef chuck roast, onions, and a touch of paprika, you’ll have a dish bursting with flavor. Over the years, I’ve found that this goulash pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce, making it an all-time favorite meal at our house. And let’s not forget the special memories created every time we gather to enjoy this meal. It’s more than just food; it’s the laughter, conversations, and the joy of being together that makes this dish truly special.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this Slow Cooker Goulash is your go-to. Trust me, it’s the kind of recipe that’ll have your family asking for more. So, get your slow cooker ready, and let’s dive into making this delicious dish. You won’t regret it!
How to Make Slow Cooker Goulash
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Ingredients:
- 1 large onion (sliced into rings; about 8 ounces)
- 2 pounds of beef chuck roast (trimmed of fat and cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions:
- Begin by adding the onion, beef, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, beef broth, and tomato paste into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Gently stir the mixture to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to the HIGH setting for 3 hours, or choose the LOW setting for a longer, 7-hour cook.
- After the cooking time, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a smooth slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. If you used HIGH, the goulash should thicken quickly. If on LOW or not thickened, switch to HIGH, cover, and cook for another 15-30 minutes until it thickens.
- Once thickened to your liking, serve the goulash hot and savor every bite!
Don’t Have Cornstarch? Here’s What to Use Instead
If you’re out of cornstarch, don’t worry. You can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Simply mix it with a bit of water just as you would with cornstarch. Alternatively, potato starch is another great substitute that won’t compromise the goulash’s texture.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Slow Cooker Goulash
To store your leftover goulash, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions – it’ll keep well for about 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave.
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Goulash
This goulash shines when served alongside buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Add a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. And a glass of red wine or a frothy pint of beer can wonderfully complement its rich flavors. Don’t forget a piece of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Goulash
For an even richer flavor, sear the beef pieces in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step adds depth to the dish. Be mindful of your paprika; using smoked paprika can give a unique twist. Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference, or omit it for a milder version.
Seasonal Twists for Slow Cooker Goulash
In summer, toss in fresh bell peppers or zucchini towards the end of cooking for a lighter twist. During fall and winter, try adding hearty root vegetables like carrots or parsnips. You can also incorporate seasonal herbs such as thyme or rosemary to enhance the dish’s aroma.
FAQs:
What type of beef is best for Slow Cooker Goulash?
Beef chuck roast is the ideal choice for slow cooker goulash due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking. However, you can use beef stew meat if chuck roast isn’t available. Both cuts absorb flavors well and become melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked slowly.
Can I make this goulash spicy?
Absolutely! To increase the spiciness, you can add more cayenne pepper or include some diced jalapeños. Adjust to your preference, but be cautious as the dish can become quite spicy. Taste as you go to ensure it’s not too hot for your liking.
Is it possible to make this goulash ahead of time?
Yes, slow cooker goulash is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them in the slow cooker insert. In the morning, simply place it in the slow cooker and start cooking. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
What can I serve with goulash for a complete meal?
Besides egg noodles or mashed potatoes, consider serving goulash with a side of steamed rice or polenta. A fresh green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables will add brightness to the meal. Baked potatoes or a simple coleslaw are also excellent companions.
Can I use a different type of paprika?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of paprika. Smoked paprika will add a smoky flavor, while sweet paprika will impart a milder taste. Feel free to try Hungarian paprika for an authentic goulash flavor. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preference.
How can I ensure the beef is tender?
The key to tender beef in this goulash recipe is low and slow cooking. If using the LOW setting, ensure you cook it for the full 7 hours. Patience pays off, as this method allows the beef to break down and become incredibly tender. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain a consistent temperature.
Slow Cooker Goulash
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 large onion sliced into rings (about 8 ounces)
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast trimmed of fat and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
For Goulash:
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, mix the onion, beef chunks, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, beef broth, and tomato paste together.
- Gently combine the ingredients to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH. Allow it to cook for 3 hours or switch to LOW for 7 hours.
To Thicken:
- After cooking, whisk cornstarch with a little water until it’s smooth.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture to the beef goulash in the slow cooker. If using HIGH, it should thicken immediately; otherwise, switch to HIGH and cook for another 15-30 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Once thickened, serve the goulash immediately and enjoy your meal!
