There’s something deeply comforting about a slow cooker meal that fills your home with warmth and spice while you go about your day. This Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash is hearty, rich, and packed with bold paprika flavor — the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Tender beef chuck simmers low and slow with sweet onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and classic Hungarian spices until it becomes fall-apart soft. The result is a high-protein comfort meal that’s deeply satisfying without being overly heavy.
Perfect for cold evenings, meal prep, or when you want a nourishing dinner that practically cooks itself, this goulash is a timeless classic made easy.
Servings: 6
Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories per Serving: 406 kcal
Macros (per serving):
Protein: 51.5g | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 13.5g | Fiber: 5.5g
Look at the Recipe
- Fall-apart tender beef with deep paprika flavor
- High-protein and filling without excess carbs
- Perfect slow cooker meal for busy days
Ingredients Needed
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cups sweet onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (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 more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Sour cream, optional for serving
How to Make Our Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash
-
Season the beef.
Place beef pieces in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with sweet paprika, hot paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Toss to coat evenly. -
Add aromatics and vegetables.
Add chopped onions, smashed garlic, bell peppers, and flour. Stir gently to combine. -
Build the sauce.
Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Add caraway seeds, brown sugar (if using), and bay leaf. -
Slow cook.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–6½ hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. -
Finish and serve.
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream if desired and a sprinkle of caraway seeds.
This dish works beautifully as a high-protein slow cooker dinner that’s rich, warming, and deeply satisfying.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or cauliflower mash.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months — thaw overnight before reheating.
Tips & FAQs
What makes Hungarian goulash different?
The generous use of paprika and onions gives it a distinct depth and warmth.
Is this recipe spicy?
Mild to medium. Reduce hot paprika for a gentler version.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free flour or omit flour and thicken naturally.
Is this good for weight loss?
It can be. It’s very high in protein and relatively low in carbs.
Do I need sour cream?
It’s optional, but adds a classic creamy contrast to the paprika-rich sauce.
