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Best Slow Cooker Beef Goulash Recipe

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Best Slow Cooker Hungarian Beef Goulash (video recipe)

This slow-cooked beef goulash is a thick stew with fork-tender meat. It's flavored with garlic, cloves, and tomato before slow cooking for hours. Perfect comfort food for cold winter days. Traditionally served with noodles, but goes equally well with mashed potatoes or steamed rice.

This slow-cooked beef goulash is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that produces fork tender, melt in the mouth meat that's richly flavored with garlic, cloves and caraway before slow cooking for hours. Traditionally served with noodles but goes equally well with mashed potatoes or steamed rice. 
The BEST Slow-Cooker Beef Goulash Recipe - Hungarian Beef and Vegetable Stew

Beef goulash is originally an Hungarian beef and vegetable stew slow-cooked by herdsmen aka Hungarian shepherds. The word goulash is derived from the Hungarian word guliyas, which means herdsmen. Over the year the dish has come to be known as goulash meat.

Slow cooking was very common back in the olden days when workers who worked hours outside the house, either in the fields or with their cattle, had not to time to come back and cook. Before they left home they'd put food on a safe fire to slow cook for hours, so when they got back they would have something to eat.

Personally, I love slow-cooked meats over anything roasted or fried. Meat falling off the bones, soaking up all those exotic spices and juices. How can you not like such melt in the mouth meat?

While the original dish is a stew with meat and veggies, today I have skipped the veggies and made a thick beef goulash with only melt in the mouth meat.  This is how I like my goulash.. thick sauce with loaded with meat flavors. Don't get me wrong you can also add veggies.

This slow cooked beef goulash is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that produces fork tender, melt in the mouth meat that's richly flavored with garlic, cloves and caraway before slow cooking for hours. Traditionally served with noodles but goes equally well with mashed potatoes or steamed rice. 
The BEST Slow-Cooker Beef Goulash Recipe - Hungarian Beef and Vegetable Stew

About this slow-cooked Hungarian beef goulash

You don't have to be a fan of Hungarian food to appreciate this slow-cooked beef goulash. I have made it in a slow cooker today but have been making it for years on the stovetop in a Dutch oven.

The recipe is simple and easy with most ingredients we usually have in the pantry. The prep time is very minimum while the cooking time can take hours. The best thing about cooking for hours in a slow-cooker is that you get fork-tender meat that just melts in your mouth. But most importantly, you can leave it unattended which is perfect busy days.

The beef is very delicately spiced with some garlic, cloves, caraway, rosemary, thyme and balsamic. However, when combined together these spices make a wonderful dish packed with flavor.

This slow-cooked beef goulash is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that produces fork tender, melt in the mouth meat that's richly flavored with garlic, cloves and caraway before slow cooking for hours. Traditionally served with noodles but goes equally well with mashed potatoes or steamed rice. 
The BEST Slow-Cooker Beef Goulash Recipe - Hungarian Beef and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)

  • Beef - I like to use lamb shoulder meat. That works great for slow cooking. But, if you ask the butcher he will give you good meat that does really well for slow cooking and it is not necessarily expensive.
  • Flour - This helps not just sear the meat but also as a sauce thicker. BUT, if you want to keep it gluten-free, just substitute the flour with cornstarch. It will help sear the meat as well as thicken the sauce.
  • Spices - Today I am using cloves, caraway seeds, and rosemary as my main flavors. And yet, if you prefer, you can omit any of these. I love the depth of flavor the beef gets from the cloves and caraway seeds.
  • Balsamic Vinegar - This isn't just any vinegar! It gives a very special flavor and color to the beef goulash that matures even more with slow cooking. While I think you should stick to balsamic vinegar, if you must substitute, I'd rather you use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon.
  • Stock - Beef is full of flavor, so adding stock only adds more depth of flavor. You can use any stock chicken, beef or vegetables. If you want you can even add water instead of stock.

Useful tips and tools

  • In the interest of good hygiene, it is a good practice to always use separate chopping boards, one for the veggies and a separate one for the meat.
  • A chef's knife does a great job of cutting meats, while a utility knife works best for the veggies.
  • And, a heavy-bottom saute-pan or cast-iron skillet to sauté if using any veggies.
  • Slow cooker or Crock-Pots are readily available these days and also quite affordable. They make meal planning so much easier, avoiding that last-minute stress of "what's for dinner?" If possible, choose one that has the option to sauté, so you can do everything in one pot including browning the meat. My only regret is that I can't brown the meats or saute the onions in the same pot. By the way, the Instant Pot also has a slow cooker option. And I'm pretty excited that I will be able to use it for slow cooking. 
  • And, if you don't have a slow cooker, a good quality Dutch oven does a great job of slow cooking on the stovetop.
  • If you plan to cook it on the stovetop, but don't have a Dutch oven, use a heavy-bottom skillet that will endure the long slow cooking. You can also use a heat tamer or heat diffuser that you can place under the pan to distribute the heat evenly.
  • Also, I like to use my wooden spatula to cook, so I do not damage the surface of my pans.
  • And, if you following a recipe it's best to use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
  • Read - 10 essential pots and pan to help you cook better.

How to make the BEST slow-cooked beef goulash (Save/Pin)

Prepare

  • Cut beef into large bit size pieces.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Then, add flour and toss well to coat.
  • Chop onions fairly small.
  • Mince garlic fine.
  • If using whole spices, crush them with a mortar and pestle - set aside.

Pan sauté

  • Heat 2 tbsp oil to a sauté pan.
  • Sear the floured beef pieces on all sides. Lay them in a single layer, turning only when needed letting them get a bit of color.
  • Remove seared beef from the pan - keep warm.
  • In the same sauté pan, add the remaining oil and sauté onions and garlic.
  • Cook for 2 minutes - remove and set aside.
  • Deglaze the pan with the water removing any caramelized onions and beef residue.
  • Add, sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar - cook for another minute.
  • Remove from heat.

Set slow cooker

  • Into the slow cooker, add the meat.
  • Followed by onion and garlic mixture.
  • Ground spices.
  • De-glazed pan mixture.
  • Stock.
  • And, bay leaves.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Use a spatula to ensure the meat is well tucked into the liquid.
  • Set the slow cooker on low for 8 hours, OR
  • Set the slow cooker on high for 4 hours.
  • I prefer to set it on high for 2 hours then on low for 4 hours.
  • Beef goulash is traditionally served with noodles, but I love to have it with mashed potatoes or even steamed rice.
  • Enjoy!
This slow cooked beef goulash is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that produces fork tender, melt in the mouth meat that's richly flavored with garlic, cloves and caraway before slow cooking for hours. Traditionally served with noodles but goes equally well with mashed potatoes or steamed rice. 
Slow cooker Hungarian Beef Gulash Recipe, Best Beef Goulash Recipe EVER

Don't have a slow cooker?

Of course, you can make this Beef Goulash even if you don't have a slow cooker!! I did it for years before I got mine. All you do is use a heavy bottom casserole pan or Dutch oven instead of a saute pan and follow the same process

  • Season the beef pieces with salt, pepper, and flour
  • In a heavy bottom pan (or dutch oven) sear the meat on all sides with the oil on high heat. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pan saute the onions and garlic.
  • Add all the rest of the ingredients followed by the beef.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Let the whole thing come to a boil.
  • Then lower the heat to a slow simmer.
  • Continue to simmer covered on low for 2 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
  • Enjoy!
This slow-cooked beef goulash is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that produces fork tender, melt in the mouth meat that's richly flavored with garlic, cloves and caraway before slow cooking for hours. Traditionally served with noodles but goes equally well with mashed potatoes or steamed rice. 
The BEST Slow-Cooker Beef Goulash Recipe - Hungarian Beef and Vegetable Stew
This slow cooked beef goulash is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that produces fork tender, melt in the mouth meat that's richly flavored with garlic, cloves and caraway before slow cooking for hours. Traditionally served with noodles but goes equally well with mashed potatoes or steamed rice. 

The BEST Slow Cooker Beef Goulash Recipe

Author: Veena Azmanov
5 from 24 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Calories: 180kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 8 servings

Description

This slow cooked beef goulash is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that produces fork tender, melt in the mouth meat that's richly flavored with garlic, cloves and caraway before slow cooking for hours. Traditionally served with noodles but goes equally well with mashed potatoes or steamed rice. 
 
ADJUST SERVINGS HERE - 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (1 kg) Beef
  • 2 tbsp Flour
  • 3 tbsp Cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup Onion chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic sliced
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 cup (250 ml) Stock
  • 1 cup (250 ml) Water
  • 2 Bay leaves

Spices

  • 1/8 tsp Cloves powder or two cloves
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper powder or 10 corns
  • 1/2 tsp Caraway seeds
  • 1/2 tsp Dried rosemary
  • 1/4 tsp Dried thyme

Instructions

Prepare

  • Cut beef into large bit size pieces.
  • Season with salt and pepper
  • Then add flour and toss well to coat.
  • Chop onions fairly small
  • Mince garlic fine
  • If using whole spices crush them with a mortar and pestle  - set aside.

Pan Saute'

  • Heat 2 tbsp oil to a saute pan
  • Sear the floured beef pieces on all sides. - Lay them in a single layer, turning only when needed letting them get a bit of color.
  • Remove seared beef from the pan - keep warm.
  • In the same saute pan add the remaining oil and saute onions and garlic.
  • Cook for 2 minutes - remove and set aside
  • Deglaze the pan with the water removing any caramelized onions and beef residue
  • Add, sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar - cook another minute
  • Remove from heat.

Set slow cooker

  • Into the slow cooker - Add meat
  • Followed by onion and garlic mixture.
  • Ground spices
  • Deglazed pan mixture
  • Stock
  • Bay leaves
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Use a spatula to ensure the meat is well tucked into the liquid
  • Set the slow cooker on low for 8 hours OR
  • Set the slow cooker on high for 4 hours.
  • I prefer to set it on high for 2 hours then on low for 4 hours.
  • Beef goulash is traditionally served with Noodles but I love to have it with mashed potatoes or even steamed rice..
  • Enjoy!

Equipment

Saute Pan 5Q
Slow cooker
Meas Cups and Spoons
Nutrition Information
Serving: 161gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 3.9gProtein: 20.2gFat: 9.42gSaturated Fat: 2.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 149mgPotassium: 0mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1.4gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 0mgIron: 0mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

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10 Tips when using the slow cooker or crockpot

  1. Plan your slow cooker recipe ahead of time so you choose the right meat as well as time for cooking.
  2. Use the right size slow-cooker for the quantity of meat on hand.
  3. Never overfill the slow cooker - leave enough space for the meat to release its juices without overspilling.
  4. Low slow-cooking overnight works great for red meat and tough meat cuts - while short slow--cooking works best of chicken and fish.
  5. Use cheap cuts for the slow-cooker and save expensive meats for stovetop or delicate cooking.
  6. When choosing meat for the slow-cooker or crockpot, use cuts like beef brisket, lamb shoulder, pork shoulder, leg of lamb, chicken thighs.
  7. You don't need much fat when slow cooking so trim off as much fat as you can before slow cooking.
  8. Use less liquid in the slow-cooker or crockpot because the liquid in the slow-cooker does not evaporate.
  9. Use starch or slurry towards the end of slow-cooking so it won't settle at the bottom of the crockpot. This can also ruin the cooker.
  10. Leave the slow cooker alone - no peeking. Avoid opening the slow-cooker or crockpot during the cooking time because it will release heat and you will need to increase cooking time.

Frequently asked questions

how long with this beef goulash keep?

This slow cooker beef goulash will keep in the fridge for 5 to 6 days. It can also be frozen for up to a month.

What kind of stock should I use for this slow cooker goulash?

You can use vegetable, chicken or beef stock instead of beer.

Can I throw the excess liquid out of this crock pot lamb?

No, the liquid in the recipes is very delicious and can be drunk like a soup. I love to serve a crusty baguette so we can soak up all the juices when eating a slow-cooked recipe.

How can I reduce the liquid in this slow-cooker goulash?

While we do need liquid to cook the meat, the excess liquid does not evaporate when slow-cooking. You can serve the extra liquid like soup, with bread or rice. Alternatively,
Remove the meat from the slow cooker and transfer the liquid in a saucepan. Reduce it over medium heat on the stovetop until it's a thicker consistency. Then add the meat back to the liquid.

Can I use lamb instead of beef for this slow cooker beef goulash recipe?

Yes, actually, lamb and pork would work just as well instead of beef for this slow cooker recipe.

What can I substitute for the Worcestershire sauce in this crock pot beef goulash?

Worcestershire sauce will give you an authentic flavor but if you must you can use soy sauce instead.

Can I use regular vinegar instead of balsamic in this slow cooker beef goulash recipe?

Balsamic isn't just any vinegar! It gives a very special flavor and color to the beef goulash that matures even more with slow cooking. While I do think you should stick to balsamic vinegar if you must substitute I'd rather you use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon.

What do you serve with this slow cooker beef goulash recipe?

Traditionally, beef goulash is served with cooked pasta such as pappardelle, tagliatelle or penne.

Today, I have served it with my kids' favorite mashed potato. When I'm on a low carb mood I usually serve it with cauliflower rice. This recipe is versatile and goes well with couscous as well as creamy polenta.

You can, of course, serve veggies on the side such as garlic sesame asparagus, parmesan asparagus, sesame green beans, cheesy baked eggplant slices, lemon rosemary potatoes, roasted dill potatoes,

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This slow-cooked beef goulash is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that produces fork tender, melt in the mouth meat that's richly flavored with garlic, cloves and caraway before slow cooking for hours. Traditionally served with noodles but goes equally well with mashed potatoes or steamed rice. 
The BEST Slow-Cooker Beef Goulash Recipe - Hungarian Beef and Vegetable Stew

More slow-cooked recipes

How to cook lamb in a crock pot or slow cooker until fork tender
Slow Cooker Lamb
Slow cooking lamb in a slow cooker or crock pot is the best thing you can do to red meat especially if you can just add everything to the pot and cook. This slow cooker lamb will give tender, juicy, fork-tender meat in just 4 hours with a rich creamy sauce that works a treat over steamed rice or crusty bread.
Here are 10 pots and pans for your kitchen which will help you cook better
10 Essential Kitchen Pots and Pans
Have you ever wondered why your pans are so different? Shot, tall, wide, deep. Or When should you cook in cast-iron, stainless steel or non-stick? Today, I share my pick for 10 essential pots and pans every kitchen needs that will help you become a better cook.

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Author - Veena Azmanov

Veena Azmanov

Veena is the author of three blogs - Veena Azmanov, Cake Decorating Tutorials, and East Indian Recipes.
She writes about cooking, baking, desserts, and cake decorating. Being a professional cake decorator and food blogger for over ten years she has been featured in many online magazines and publications around the world. On her blogs, you will find delicious, easy and practical recipes often with instructional videos and tutorials for the home cook.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Taylah

    BEST beef goulash I ever made. Thanks

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Taylah. So happy that this recipe worked well for you and you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for coming back to write this feedback. Love to hear from those who tried my recipe.

      Reply

  2. Grady

    You are such a talented lady. I follow your cake stuff now I'm a fan of your foodstuff. I make this often and this is now our family favorite.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Grady. Thanks for the kind words. So happy that this recipe worked well for you and you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for coming back to write this feedback. Love to hear from those who tried my recipe.

      Reply

  3. Sarah

    I love goulash! I grew up eating it and there is something just so comforting about it! Love your recipe - Can't wait to try this

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Sarah. We love goulash too. I hope you give this a try.

      Reply

  4. Soniya

    I love all the gadgets ..which makes our life so easy!! This Recipe looks so delicious and inviting.. can't wait to my it in my instant pot 😉

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Soniya. I'm sure it will turn quicker in an instant pot and just as soft and tender.

      Reply

  5. Luci

    This looks so delicious. I would sub for a different meat maybe a pork shoulder. I love it even more because you do it in a slow cooker.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Oh yes, pork would do really well with this slow cooking too!

      Reply

  6. swathi

    This goulash looks delicious, I always think people in olden time makes delicious and easy dishes without much work to put on. I like your version of Beef goulash without veggies. You are right, crockpot make meat dishes perfect and juicy.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Swathi. Yes in the olden days they worked hard in the fields so the food was often these kind of dishes.

      Reply

  7. Molly Kumar

    Now this is exactly what I call a perfect Family Comfort Meal. The flavors sound amazing and all that slow cooking is going to magically transfer it into this juciy-flaky delicious meal.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Molly. True is definitely a perfect family comfort meal for us. We love this on the weekend. Slow cooking is my favorite to cook on the weekends.

      Reply

  8. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh

    This looks so hearty and full of flavor! I love that you've paired this with potatoes.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Joanna. Yes, it is very hearty and full of flavor.

      Reply

  9. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

    When I think of beef I think of Sunday meals. That was always a special meal. Your goulash looks incredibly tender -- I think I would put it on polenta. Of course I put just about everything on polenta. 🙂 This is a classic meal that will never go out of style.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Yes Marisa. We do red meat mostly on Friday here - Friday for us is the weekend here. Goulash does cook until it's really tender.!! Polenta would be perfect too!

      Reply

  10. Catherine

    What a comforting meal on a cold winter day. This looks and sounds delicious, Veena.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Catherine. yes definitely comfort food for winter.

      Reply

  11. Uma Srinivas

    I love all the spices you have added here. Slow cooker recipes are fun and relaxing during weekdays.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Slow cooker is sure fun for such dishes.. Thanks Uma

      Reply

  12. Kylee from Kylee Cooks

    Slow cooked meats are my favorite too. They have time to soak up all the seasoning and flavoring (balsamic is awesome in this kind of cooking method, like you mentioned!). YUM

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Kylee. I love slow cooked meats too.. Thanks

      Reply

  13. Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

    This looks SO amazing! There's nothing better than thick chunks of meat in a nice, thick stew sauce. I'm pinning and making this one for sure

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Karyl. I love meat in a thick sauce too!

      Reply

  14. Pavani

    What a hearty and comforting meal this is.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Pavani

      Reply

  15. April

    Oh yes! That looks mouth watering good! I love beef recipes like this. So comforting. Pure deliciousness!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Me too April. Love beef slow cooked like this. So comforting

      Reply

  16. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

    My mom used to made a similar version of this. Now it reminds me that it has been too long since I made it myself. This is perfect during comfort food season, and leftovers are always great too.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Gloria. I love Goulash and my mom often made it like I did too with no veggies too. I love left overs with such recipes.

      Reply

  17. Adriana Lopez Martin

    Such a lovely classic and what a great idea of making it in the slow cooker, that technique really helps the meat to be tender and full of flavor.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      The slow cooker is such a blessing Adriana. I love slow cooked meat that soft and tender.

      Reply

  18. Calleigh

    This is so tempting and yum. I can do this using my instant pot. Yes! I can tackle this on weekends.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Calleigh. I'm sure an Instant Pot would work too!

      Reply

  19. Mirlene | Savory Thoughts

    This looks so much better than what I had in mind. I use my crockpot often and this is something I definitely would make over and over again.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Mirlene. Yes I love using my crockpot too! Simple and easy work for the weekends.

      Reply

  20. Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife

    This goulash looks SO good. We need hearty dishes like this here during our stormy, cold winter months!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Marlynn. I know what you mean. It's cold and rainy here so such dishes are sure comfort food

      Reply

  21. Lauren

    This looks great! I love anything that can be made in the crockpot so this is perfect!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Lauren. I love using my crockpot especially for weekend meals

      Reply
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