Smoked Paprika Slow Cooker Goulash: A Flavor Explosion You Can’t Resist

Are you craving a hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Smoked Paprika Slow Cooker Goulash! This recipe elevates the classic Hungarian stew with the smoky depth of paprika, creating a rich and complex flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Prepare to be amazed by the ease and deliciousness of this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Goulash

* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker is your best friend here! Just dump in the ingredients, set it, and forget it. No babysitting required.
* **Incredible Flavor:** The combination of smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and other aromatic spices creates a truly unforgettable flavor.
* **Tender Beef:** Slow cooking ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This goulash is even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping or batch cooking.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or a family. Everyone will love it!
* **Versatile:** Serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or enjoy it on its own. The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious slow cooker goulash:

* **Beef:** 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. Chuck roast is ideal because it has a good amount of marbling, which renders down during slow cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful beef.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onions provide a good base flavor for the goulash.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 red bell pepper, chopped. Red bell peppers add sweetness and color to the dish. You can also use a green or orange bell pepper, depending on your preference.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the goulash.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika. This is the star of the show! Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor that is essential for this recipe. Use a high-quality smoked paprika for the best results. Hungarian smoked paprika is particularly good.
* **Sweet Paprika:** 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika. Sweet paprika adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the color of the goulash.
* **Caraway Seeds:** 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds. Caraway seeds add a distinctive, slightly licorice-like flavor that is characteristic of traditional goulash.
* **Dried Marjoram:** 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram. Marjoram adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the goulash.
* **Beef Broth:** 4 cups of beef broth. Beef broth provides the liquid base for the goulash and adds richness and flavor. Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Tomato paste adds depth of flavor and richness to the goulash.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the goulash.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf. Bay leaf adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the goulash. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil is used to sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the goulash generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional Ingredients:**
* **Potatoes:** 1 pound of Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (add during the last 2 hours of cooking).
* **Carrots:** 1 cup of carrots, chopped (add during the last 2 hours of cooking).
* **Sour Cream:** For serving (optional).
* **Fresh Parsley:** For garnish (optional).

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Slow Cooker:** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For searing the beef.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables and beef.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Smoked Paprika Slow Cooker Goulash:

**Step 1: Prepare the Beef**

* Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. This will help them to brown properly.
* Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Sear the Beef**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Working in batches, sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear.
* Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**

* Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
* Add the seared beef, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, caraway seeds, dried marjoram, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients.

**Step 5: Slow Cook the Goulash**

* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.

**Step 6: Add Optional Vegetables (if using)**

* If you’re using potatoes and carrots, add them to the slow cooker during the last 2 hours of cooking.

**Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve**

* Remove the bay leaf from the goulash.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
* Serve the goulash hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or on its own.
* Garnish with sour cream and fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Goulash

* **Don’t skip the searing step!** Searing the beef is essential for developing a rich, complex flavor. It adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get without it.
* **Use high-quality smoked paprika.** The quality of your smoked paprika will greatly impact the flavor of the goulash. Look for a Hungarian smoked paprika for the best results.
* **Don’t overcook the goulash.** While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooking can result in dry beef. Check the beef for tenderness after the recommended cooking time.
* **Adjust the spices to your liking.** If you prefer a spicier goulash, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Add a splash of red wine vinegar at the end.** A small splash of red wine vinegar can brighten the flavors of the goulash and add a touch of acidity.
* **Thicken the goulash if desired.** If you prefer a thicker goulash, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the goulash during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Let it rest.** Letting the goulash rest for 15-20 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian Goulash:** Substitute the beef with mushrooms or other vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Spicy Goulash:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
* **Different Meats:** You can use other cuts of beef, such as stew meat or short ribs. You can also use pork or lamb.
* **Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as parsnips, turnips, or celery.
* **Gluten-Free Goulash:** Ensure that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Serve the goulash over gluten-free noodles or rice.

Serving Suggestions

This Smoked Paprika Slow Cooker Goulash is delicious served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Egg Noodles:** This is the classic way to serve goulash.
* **Over Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect complement to the rich goulash.
* **Over Rice:** Fluffy rice is another great option for serving goulash.
* **On its Own:** Enjoy the goulash as a hearty stew.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve the goulash with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Toppings:** Garnish with sour cream, fresh parsley, or a dollop of yogurt.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This goulash is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the goulash as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the goulash gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the goulash for up to 2 months. Thaw the goulash in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Detailed Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Smoked Paprika Slow Cooker Goulash

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 7-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

**Serves:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
* 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
* 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
* 4 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup carrots, chopped; sour cream for serving; fresh parsley for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned. Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the seared beef, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, caraway seeds, dried marjoram, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
6. If using potatoes and carrots, add them to the slow cooker during the last 2 hours of cooking.
7. Remove the bay leaf from the goulash. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve the goulash hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or on its own. Garnish with sour cream and fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Paprika Slow Cooker Goulash is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. The smoky flavor, tender beef, and easy preparation make it a winner in our book. Give it a try, and you’ll be hooked!

Enjoy your delicious and effortless meal!