Ah, Hungarian goulash—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, especially when the air turns crisp and the leaves start their yearly wardrobe change. I stumbled upon this slow cooker version during a rainy weekend, craving something heartwarming yet easy to prepare. The aroma alone could make you want to dance around the kitchen, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to twirl with a ladle?
Steps
- Season the beef pieces with sweet and hot Hungarian paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, spray lightly with cooking oil, and brown the beef on all sides in two batches. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions, smashed garlic, and flour, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, combine the bell peppers, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, caraway seeds, and brown sugar, if preferred. Stir everything well, add a bay leaf, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.
- Before serving, garnish with additional caraway seeds and a dollop of sour cream, if desired, to enhance the flavor and creaminess of the goulash.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups sweet onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose or gluten-free flour
- 2 cups red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, plus additional for garnish
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional)
- 1 dry bay leaf
- Sour cream (optional for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1624 kcal | Carbohydrates: 88 g | Protein: 206 g | Fat: 54 g | Saturated Fat: 16 g | Cholesterol: 672 mg | Sodium: 2628 mg | Fiber: 22 g | Sugar: 36 g
FAQ
- What is the best type of beef for Hungarian goulash?
- The ideal cut of beef for this dish is chuck roast. It’s flavorful and becomes tender when slow-cooked.
- Can I make this goulash gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make the stew gluten-free.
- What sides pair well with Hungarian goulash?
- Traditionally, it’s served with carbs like noodles, spätzle, dumplings, or mashed potatoes. Roasted carrots, mushrooms, or an arugula salad also make great sides.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Leftover goulash can be refrigerated for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers for up to three months.
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?
- Absolutely, pork or veal can be used as substitutes. However, ensure the meat is not too lean to prevent it from drying out.
Tips
- Brown the Beef: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances its flavor and gives the meat a nice color, making this extra step worthwhile.
- Spice Usage: Any leftover spices from seasoning the beef should be added to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes and broth to maximize flavor.
- Adding Vegetables: Consider adding additional vegetables like potatoes and carrots to make the goulash heartier while keeping it authentic.
- Serve with Creaminess: For a richer taste, serve the goulash with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of caraway seeds.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
- Large Skillet
