The Heartwarming Crockpot Goulash Recipe Everyone Adores

Crafting a hearty goulash recipe in your crockpot promises pure comfort and culinary magic.

Slow-cooking transforms humble ingredients into a rich, deeply satisfying meal that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Hungarian roots shine through in this classic dish, blending tender meat with robust spices and vegetables.

Paprika brings warm, smoky depth to every single bite.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Affordable and simple ingredients come together seamlessly in one pot.

You’ll savor each spoonful of this traditional stew that connects generations through its timeless appeal.

Tasty Sides To Pair With Crockpot Goulash

• Craft Hearty Wine Pairing: Bold Hungarian red wines like Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood) complement the rich meat and spice profile, creating a robust flavor symphony that mirrors the goulash's deep, complex character.
• Enhance Bread Accompaniment: Crusty sourdough or traditional Hungarian pogácsa provide perfect vehicles for soaking up the luscious sauce, adding textural contrast and extending the meal's enjoyment.
• Brighten with Side Salad: Crisp cucumber and dill salad dressed with light vinaigrette cuts through the goulash's richness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser that balances the heavy meat stew.

How To Store Crockpot Goulash Properly

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the goulash fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Gently warm the goulash in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Crockpot Goulash Questions Answered

• Why sear the meat before slow cooking?

Searing creates a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and develops a rich, caramelized exterior, adding depth and complexity to the goulash’s taste profile.

• Can I use only beef or only pork?

While the recipe uses a combination of beef and pork for enhanced flavor, you can use a single type of meat if preferred. Just ensure you choose cuts suitable for slow cooking.

• What makes caraway seeds important in this recipe?

Caraway seeds provide a distinctive earthy, slightly nutty flavor typical in traditional Hungarian goulash, contributing an authentic taste and aromatic quality to the dish.

• How do I know when the meat is perfectly tender?

The meat is ready when it easily falls apart with a fork and can be pulled apart effortlessly, typically after 6-8 hours of slow cooking on low heat.

Why Crockpot Goulash Is So Easy And Delicious

• Unlock Rich Flavor Depth: Searing meat before slow cooking creates a caramelized exterior that intensifies taste and texture, transforming ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Master One-Pot Convenience: This crockpot goulash requires minimal hands-on preparation, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a hearty meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: The recipe offers flexible ingredients and adaptable spice levels, allowing you to personalize the goulash according to your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Solution: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, this goulash serves multiple people with its generous, satisfying portions and warm, comforting flavors.

Ingredients For Crockpot Goulash

• Beef: A rich, hearty meat that provides the main substance and deep flavor for the goulash.
• Pork: A complementary meat that adds additional richness and texture to the stew.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: These classic vegetables create a flavor foundation with their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Added late in cooking to maintain a vibrant texture and bright, fresh taste.

• Beef Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall depth of the goulash.
• Red Wine: Adds complexity and richness to the stew's flavor profile.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a tangy, umami element to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the meat and creating a golden, caramelized exterior.
• Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal essence throughout the cooking process.
• Paprika, Caraway Seeds, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that season and elevate the goulash's flavor.

Steps To Make Crockpot Goulash

Step 1: Sear Meat to Lock in Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed beef and pork, cooking until all sides develop a golden-brown crust that seals in rich, deep flavors.

Step 2: Transfer Browned Meat

Move the beautifully seared meat pieces into the crockpot, scraping every last flavorful bit from the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers
• Minced garlic

The vegetables will release their natural sweetness and create a fragrant base for the goulash.

Step 4: Add Vegetables to Meat

Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the crockpot, mixing them with the browned meat.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

• Paprika
• Caraway seeds
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Pour in Liquid Ingredients

• Beef broth
• Red wine
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce

Gently whisk to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 7: Add Herbal Essence

Drop bay leaves into the crockpot to infuse a subtle herbal flavor throughout the dish.

Step 8: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to low heat. Let the goulash simmer for 6-8 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and the flavors meld together.

Step 9: Fresh Tomato Finish

During the last hour of cooking, add chopped fresh tomatoes to maintain their vibrant texture and bright taste.

Step 10: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves before serving. Allow the goulash to rest for 10 minutes, letting the flavors settle and intensify.

Helpful Tips For Crockpot Goulash

• Sear Meat for Maximum Flavor: Brown cubed beef and pork thoroughly to create a caramelized crust that locks in deep, rich taste and adds complexity to the goulash.
• Optimize Vegetable Sautéing: Cook onions, bell peppers, and garlic until translucent to release their natural sweetness and build a robust flavor base for the dish.
• Balance Spice Distribution: Sprinkle spices evenly over meat and vegetables to ensure each bite is perfectly seasoned with paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper.
• Boost Liquid Depth: Use a combination of beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to create a rich, layered sauce that tenderizes the meat and enhances overall flavor.

Flavor Variations For Crockpot Goulash

• Venison Wilderness Goulash: Replace beef and pork with lean venison for a gamey, rich protein that brings forest-inspired depth to the traditional recipe.
• Mediterranean Lamb Rendition: Swap beef and pork with tender lamb cuts, adding rosemary and oregano to create a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Mountain Stew: Use hearty portobello mushrooms and cubed eggplant as meat substitutes, maintaining the robust texture and incorporating umami-rich vegetable broth.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Incorporate chipotle peppers, cumin, and replace red wine with dark Mexican beer for a zesty, smoky southwestern interpretation of classic goulash.

Crockpot Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hungarian comfort shines through this hearty crockpot goulash, blending tender beef, rich paprika, and slow-simmered vegetables. Warm spices and home-style cooking invite souls to savor classic European flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 g) beef chuck, cubed
• 0.5 lbs (227 g) pork shoulder, cubed

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 bell peppers, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) paprika
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) caraway seeds
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) red wine
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat to achieve a golden sear on the cubed beef and pork, creating a rich caramelized exterior that locks in deep flavor.
2. Transfer the beautifully browned meat into the crockpot, ensuring no juicy bits are left behind in the skillet.
3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their natural sweetness.
4. Add the sautéed vegetables to the crockpot with the meat, creating a robust flavor foundation.
5. Sprinkle paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper directly over the meat and vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of spices.
6. Pour beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce into the crockpot, whisking gently to combine all liquid ingredients.
7. Drop in the bay leaves, which will infuse the goulash with a subtle herbal essence during cooking.
8. Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the stew to simmer and develop complex flavors for 6-8 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender.
9. Chop fresh tomatoes and add during the last hour of cooking to maintain their vibrant texture and fresh taste.
10. Remove bay leaves before serving, and let the goulash rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld perfectly.

Notes

• Sear meat meticulously to develop deep, caramelized flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish’s richness and complexity.
• Use high-quality paprika for authentic Hungarian flavor, preferably sweet Hungarian paprika for traditional taste and vibrant color.
• Experiment with meat variations like adding lamb or using only beef for different texture and flavor nuances, keeping cooking times consistent.
• Transform into gluten-free version by ensuring all liquid ingredients are certified gluten-free and checking paprika and seasoning labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg