Description
A family-friendly crockpot goulash featuring tender beef chuck and a rich, paprika-based sauce, finished with a creamy roasted red bell pepper swirl. This comforting make-ahead meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 900 g (2 lb) beef chuck, trimmed and cubed
- 2 large yellow onions, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 (796 g / 28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 710 ml (3 cups) vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (alcohol-free)
- 3 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 2 bay leaves
- 450 g (1 lb) wide egg noodles
- 2 large red bell peppers, quartered (for swirl)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for swirl)
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream (for swirl)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for swirl)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Season beef chuck cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear in batches in a large skillet over medium-high heat until nicely browned on all sides (3-4 minutes per side), then transfer to the slow cooker insert.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft (5-7 minutes). Stir in chopped red bell peppers and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the sweet and smoked paprikas, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Slow Cook Goulash Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Add the dried marjoram and bay leaves. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the beef is fork-tender.
- Prepare Creamy Swirl: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the quartered red bell peppers with 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt. Roast for 20-25 minutes until softened and slightly charred, then let cool slightly. Blend the roasted bell peppers with heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika until smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the slow cooker; taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cook the wide egg noodles according to package directions. Serve the goulash over the noodles, then drizzle generously with the creamy swirl and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
To achieve a perfect texture for the beef, ensure it easily pulls apart before serving; continue cooking if necessary. For best results, store the creamy swirl separately if preparing ahead. Skim excess fat from the surface of the goulash if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 420 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg