Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash to bring comfort and flavor to the table. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings. With its rich, savory sauce and tender chunks of beef, this meal will quickly become a favorite in your home. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve on any occasion—from a weekday dinner to a Sunday feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The slow cooking process intensifies the flavors, creating a deliciously hearty stew that warms you from the inside out.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal active cooking time, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it while enjoying your day.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over noodles, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal that suits everyone’s taste.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick weeknight meals later.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. These tools simplify the cooking process and ensure that your goulash comes out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for low and slow cooking, which enhances flavors and tenderizes the beef effortlessly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking and easier handling of ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables

• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

How to Make Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

First, gather all your ingredients. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, slice the carrots and bell peppers, and prepare the mushrooms. Set everything aside for easy access.

Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional)

If desired, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and brown the chunks of beef on all sides for extra flavor. Transfer them to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: Serve Your Goulash

Once cooked, give your goulash a good stir. Serve hot over noodles or rice with fresh bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy this comforting dish with family or friends!

How to Serve Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

Serving Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a hearty meal. Here are some delightful ways to serve this classic dish.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – The perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Garlic Bread – Adds a savory touch that complements the goulash beautifully.

Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Smooth Mashed Potatoes – A comforting base that pairs well with the saucy beef.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – For an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish.

Serve with Pasta

• Egg Noodles – Their texture absorbs the goulash sauce perfectly.
• Penne Pasta – Adds a fun twist and holds onto the meaty goodness.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Green Salad – A refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash.
• Caesar Salad – Adds crunch and creaminess, making for a satisfying balance.

How to Perfect Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

To ensure your Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose Quality Meat – Use chuck beef or brisket for tenderness and flavor.
• Sear Meat First – Browning enhances flavor and adds depth to your goulash.
• Don’t Rush Cooking Time – Low and slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Use Fresh Herbs – Adding fresh parsley or thyme brightens the dish just before serving.
• Balance Flavors – Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

Pairing side dishes with your Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Quinoa Salad – A light, nutritious side that adds texture and flavor.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies bring color and sweetness to your plate.
3. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice cooked in broth complements the richness of goulash.
4. Coleslaw – Crunchy slaw provides a refreshing bite against the hearty stew.
5. Steamed Broccoli – Simple yet effective, it adds nutrients without overpowering flavors.
6. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Bold ingredient choices: Using low-quality beef can lead to tough meat. Always select well-marbled cuts for better tenderness and flavor.
• Bold neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season your beef before browning can result in a bland dish. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste.
• Bold overcrowding the pot: Adding too much meat at once inhibits browning. Cook in batches to achieve a nice sear on all pieces.
• Bold rushing the cooking process: Attempting to speed up the slow cooker can ruin the dish. Allow sufficient time for flavors to meld and beef to become tender.
• Bold not adjusting liquids: Not accounting for evaporation can lead to dry goulash. Monitor liquid levels and add broth or water as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in increments of 2 minutes until heated through.
• Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash.

What cuts of beef are best for Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash?

Chuck roast or brisket are ideal as they become tender during long cooking times.

Can I customize my Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.

How thick should my Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash be?

It should have a rich, saucy consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered until it reduces.

What sides pair well with Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash?

Serve with crusty bread, noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Final Thoughts

Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile in its ingredients. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try for your next family dinner; it’s sure to impress!

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Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

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Experience the comforting warmth of Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash, a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and tender beef in a hearty stew. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe features succulent chunks of beef simmered to perfection with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices. The slow cooking process intensifies the flavors, ensuring every bite is both satisfying and delicious. Serve it over noodles, rice, or alongside fresh bread for a complete meal that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, this goulash is sure to become a staple in your home.

• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

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Instructions

1. Gather and prepare all ingredients: chop onions, mince garlic, slice carrots and bell peppers, and prepare mushrooms.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the beef chunks in oil for added flavor; transfer to slow cooker.
3. In the slow cooker, combine chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
5. Stir the goulash before serving hot over noodles or rice with fresh bread.

• Author: Diary
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg