Easy Made Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or family dinners. Tender chunks of beef simmered with onions, peppers, and paprika create a rich, flavorful stew that fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma.

This goulash is the ultimate comfort food. The long, slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the sauce develops deep, complex flavors. Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

The Backstory

Goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew known for its use of paprika and slow-cooked beef. Over time, it has become a beloved dish worldwide, often adapted with various vegetables and seasonings. This slow-cooked version makes it easy to enjoy all the classic flavors with minimal hands-on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender Beef: Slow cooking ensures perfectly soft, flavorful meat.
• Rich, Comforting Sauce: Paprika and spices create deep, authentic flavor.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and effortless cooking.
• Family-Friendly: Hearty, filling, and loved by all ages.

Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 420 per serving

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp paprika (preferably sweet)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened. Add paprika and stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
3. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry and stir it into the goulash about 30 minutes before serving.
6. Serve hot over egg noodles, rice, or with crusty bread.

Tips to Make It Your Own

• Extra Vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot paprika.
• Make Ahead: Goulash often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
• Slow Cooker Variations: Use a Dutch oven on the stove or in the oven for a stovetop method.

🍲 Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 6

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Goulash:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp caraway seeds optional
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups diced potatoes or egg noodles optional, add last hour of cooking
• 1 bell pepper chopped (optional)

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or sour cream

Method

 

1. Prep the Ingredients:
2. Season beef cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
4. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear beef cubes until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor.
5. Combine in Slow Cooker:
6. Add beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sweet paprika, caraway seeds, thyme, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
7. Cook:
8. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
9. Add Vegetables:
10. About 1 hour before serving, add diced potatoes or egg noodles and bell pepper if desired.
11. Serve:
12. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. Serve warm with bread or over noodles.

Notes

Thicker Goulash: Mix 1–2 tbsp cornstarch with a little water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Flavor Boost: A splash of red wine during the browning step deepens flavor.

Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth.

Make Ahead: Goulash tastes even better the next day; refrigerate and reheat.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash is the perfect comfort food—tender, flavorful, and satisfying. With minimal effort, you can create a rich, hearty meal that warms the soul and brings everyone to the table. Serve it over noodles, rice, or with crusty bread for a dinner everyone will remember.