Crockpot Goulash: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy
Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy weeknight meal? Look no further than this Crockpot Goulash recipe! This slow-cooker version of the classic Hungarian dish is packed with tender beef, rich tomatoes, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered to perfection for maximum flavor. It's the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks, or chilly evenings. Let's dive in!
What Makes This Crockpot Goulash Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out for several key reasons:
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the magic! Minimal prep work means more time for you.
- Maximum Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeply satisfying and complex taste.
- Healthy and Hearty: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this goulash is a nutritious and filling meal.
- Versatile: Easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables or spices.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta (add during the last hour of cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sear the Beef (Optional): For extra flavor, brown the beef cubes in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn't essential but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the seared (or unseared) beef, onion, garlic, bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
- Add Pasta: During the last hour of cooking, stir in the elbow macaroni or your preferred small pasta. Allow to cook until the pasta is tender.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or sour cream, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier goulash.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Use different pasta: Try other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.
- Make it a one-pot meal: Add potatoes and carrots with the other vegetables. You might need to increase the cooking time slightly.
- Make it ahead: This goulash tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Crockpot Goulash hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a beautiful finishing touch.
This Crockpot Goulash recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
