Slow Cooked Hungarian Goulash is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, hearty stew packed with tender beef, vibrant paprika, and a deep, savory broth. Traditionally simmered for hours, this Slow Cooked Hungarian Goulash delivers all the authentic flavors with the ease of a slow cooker.
If you’re craving a warm, soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or family dinners, this slow-cooked version is a game-changer. Let’s dive into a deeply flavorful, fall-apart tender goulash recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen!
What Makes Hungarian Goulash So Special?
Unlike American goulash, which often includes pasta and tomatoes, authentic Hungarian goulash is a rich, slow-cooked beef stew infused with sweet Hungarian paprika, onions, and simple seasonings. This dish is deeply comforting, packed with bold flavors, and incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker.
✔ Deep, Rich Flavor – Slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
✔ Fall-Apart Tender Meat – The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
✔ Authentic Hungarian Taste – Made with the perfect blend of spices and traditional ingredients.
✔ Set It & Forget It – Let your slow cooker do all the work!
Ingredients for Slow Cooked Hungarian Goulash
To make the most authentic Slow Cooked Hungarian Goulash, you’ll need:
For the Goulash:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (crushed slightly)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for umami)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for a creamy touch)
- Crusty bread, buttered egg noodles, or traditional Hungarian dumplings
How to Make Slow Cooked Hungarian Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef for Extra Flavor
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes and sear them until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes).
- Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté Onions & Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
- Add tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
- Deglaze the pan with a little beef broth, scraping up any flavorful bits.
Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker
- Pour the onion mixture over the browned beef in the slow cooker.
- Add remaining beef broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and bay leaf.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serving Slow Cooked Hungarian Goulash
This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the following traditional pairings:
✔ Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
✔ Egg Noodles – Buttered noodles complement the flavors beautifully.
✔ Hungarian Dumplings (Nokedli) – A classic, authentic choice.
✔ Sour Cream Garnish – Adds a creamy contrast to the bold paprika flavors.
Pro Tips for the Best Hungarian Goulash
✔ Use High-Quality Hungarian Paprika – This is the star ingredient, so use authentic sweet Hungarian paprika for the best taste.
✔ Sear the Beef First – Browning the beef locks in flavor and enhances the stew.
✔ Low & Slow is Best – Cooking on LOW for 6-8 hours ensures deep, developed flavors.
✔ Don’t Skip the Caraway Seeds – These add a signature, slightly nutty taste to the goulash.
✔ Make it a Day Ahead – Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender with slow cooking, but brisket or stew meat works too.
What if I Don’t Have Caraway Seeds?
Caraway adds authentic Hungarian flavor, but you can substitute with cumin for a similar warmth.
Is This Goulash Spicy?
No, traditional Hungarian goulash is not spicy—it’s rich and savory. If you like heat, add a pinch of hot paprika or red pepper flakes.
Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Follow the same steps, then pressure cook on HIGH for 35 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe
🔥 Authentic Hungarian Taste – Rich, deep flavors with tender beef.
🔥 Effortless Slow Cooking – Just set it and let it simmer to perfection.
🔥 Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
🔥 Great for Cozy Nights – The ultimate comfort food for cold weather.
This Slow Cooked Hungarian Goulash is a tried-and-true recipe that brings authentic European flavors right to your table. With rich beef, sweet paprika, and a slow-simmered broth, this hearty dish will warm your soul with every bite.
So grab your slow cooker, set it up, and let the magic happen! Try it today and impress your family with a comforting, homemade meal.
💬 Have you ever tried authentic Hungarian goulash? Let us know in the comments!
