Hearty Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

There is something incredibly soothing about walking into a kitchen filled with the savory aroma of beef simmering slowly all day.

My Slow Cooker Goulash transforms simple chuck roast into a melt-in-your-mouth dinner that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.

What Makes This Slow Cooker Goulash a Family Favorite

You just toss everything into the pot and let the appliance do all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.

The rich paprika sauce develops a deep, complex flavor that usually takes hours of active stovetop stirring to achieve.

It uses budget-friendly beef cuts that become incredibly tender and juicy after hours of low-and-slow cooking.

If you enjoyed this hearty meal, you have to try my Quick Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe next for another comforting dinner option, and the Ultimate Lamb Stew Recipe is also a fantastic choice when you are craving something rich and savory.

Gathering Your Slow Cooker Goulash Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Beef chuck roast: Look for a piece with good marbling and trim the excess fat before cutting it into cubes.
• Paprika: Use a fresh, high-quality sweet paprika as this provides the primary flavor profile for the dish.
• Onion: A large yellow or white onion works best to add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves offer a punchier flavor than jarred versions and melt beautifully into the stew.
• Tomato paste: This adds a rich umami layer and helps to deepen the color of the sauce.
• Beef broth: A good quality stock or broth forms the liquid base and keeps the meat moist during cooking.
• Cornstarch: You will mix this with water at the end to thicken the juices into a proper gravy.
• Seasonings: A blend of kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne brings everything together.

My Method for Perfect Slow Cooker Goulash

Let’s get cooking!

1. Start by preparing your vegetables and meat so everything is ready to go. Peel the onion and slice it, then separate the slices into rings. Take your beef chuck roast and trim off any large, hard pieces of fat that won’t render down, then cut the meat into uniform 1.5-inch chunks. Place the beef, onion rings, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, beef broth, and tomato paste directly into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Gently stir the mixture with a large spoon to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the spices and tomato paste. Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on HIGH for 3 hours if you are short on time, or on LOW for 7 hours for an even more tender result. Avoid opening the lid during the cooking process to keep the heat and moisture trapped inside.
3. Once the cooking time is up, prepare the thickening slurry by whisking the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. Pour this mixture into the hot stew and stir well to combine. Cover the pot again and let it cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes; this final step allows the sauce to tighten up into a glossy, rich gravy that clings perfectly to the meat.

My Best Tips for Reliable Slow Cooker Goulash

Using fresh, high-quality paprika makes a huge difference in the final taste since it is the primary seasoning here.

I always cut the Slow Cooker Goulash meat into uniform pieces so that every bite cooks at the exact same rate.

If the sauce isn’t thick enough for your liking, simply let it cook on high with the lid off for the last twenty minutes.

How I Like to Serve This Slow Cooker Goulash

I love spooning this rich stew over a bed of wide egg noodles to soak up every drop of the sauce.

For a lighter option, mashed cauliflower or roasted green beans make excellent sides that balance the richness of the Slow Cooker Goulash.

Join me on Pinterest for more easy meal inspiration.

Slow Cooker Goulash

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 3 hr 55 min
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting, hearty beef stew with a rich paprika sauce made easily in the slow cooker.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

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Instructions

1. Combine the onion, beef, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, beef broth, and tomato paste in a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the meat evenly.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 7 hours, until the beef is very tender.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.

Notes

Ensure your paprika is fresh for the best flavor. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can reduce the amount of cornstarch.

• Prep Time: 25 min
• Thickening: 30 min
• Cook Time: 3 hr 30 min
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 668 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Goulash, Hungarian stew, beef dinner, easy crockpot meal, comfort food