There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bubbling pot of hearty goulash, and this Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe is about to become your favorite cozy dinner. Imagine tender chunks of beef slow-cooked with sweet onions, plenty of paprika, and just a hint of cayenne for a gentle kick. Everything simmers together until mouthwateringly rich—the kind of meal that fills your home with incredible aromas and makes you eager for dinnertime. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want an easy, soul-warming dinner, this foolproof slow cooker approach ensures big flavor with almost no stress.

Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into this wonderful dish. The Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe keeps things straightforward, leaning on high-quality, select ingredients that each play a special role—from the sweetness of onions to the deep, earthy paprika. These aren’t just pantry staples, they’re the building blocks of one seriously unforgettable meal.

Onion: Slicing the onion into rings means extra sweetness and helps it nearly melt into the sauce for rich, savory notes.
Beef Chuck Roast: Trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch chunks, this cut becomes impossibly tender after all those hours in the slow cooker.
Fresh Garlic: A little minced garlic goes a long way in building depth and savoriness.
Kosher Salt: Use Diamond Crystal if you can—the flakiness seasons the beef evenly and brings out every flavor.
Black Pepper: Just a little adds gentle heat and balance.
Paprika: This is the color and soul of goulash; opt for fresh, vibrant paprika for the best aroma and hue.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch for a subtle, lingering warmth without being overwhelming.
Beef Broth: Provides richness and depth, giving a luscious base for the sauce.
Tomato Paste: This secret ingredient lends body and a gentle tang, amping up the stew’s heartiness.
Cornstarch: Whisked into a slurry at the end, it transforms the cooking juices into the perfect sauce to cling to every bite.

How to Make Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Start by arranging the sliced onion rings right in the bottom of your slow cooker pan. Add the beef pieces on top, then sprinkle over the minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Pour in the beef broth and top everything with the tomato paste—don’t worry about mixing just yet, there’s plenty of time for flavors to mingle.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold and mix all the ingredients in the slow cooker. You don’t need to be precise; just make sure the beef is coated with those beautiful spices and the tomato paste is distributed a bit. This quick toss sets the stage for developing rich, harmonious flavors as the goulash cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it on HIGH for 3 hours, or choose LOW for 7 hours if you want to set it and forget it for the whole day. The beauty of the Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe is that the longer, low-and-slow approach yields melt-in-your-mouth beef and an ultra-savory, slightly sweet sauce that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Right before serving, make the cornstarch slurry: whisk the cornstarch with just enough cold water to make it smooth, then stir it into the bubbling goulash. If you cooked on high, the sauce should thicken almost immediately. If it was on low, give it a quick bump to high for 15-30 minutes, and the sauce turns glossy and spoon-coating—just like classic goulash should be.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the goulash generously into bowls and serve hot. The tender beef, rich broth, and beautifully thickened sauce are ready to warm you right up. At this point, your main challenge is resisting the urge to go back for seconds before everyone’s been served!

How to Serve Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Garnishes

A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a little extra paprika on top takes the presentation up a notch and adds a fresh, creamy counterpoint to all that slow-cooked richness. Don’t underestimate the joy of a crunchy toasted bread slice on the side—it’s perfect for scooping every last drop!

Side Dishes

Classic goulash partners well with pillowy egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or simple buttered spaetzle. For something lighter, serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or tangy sauerkraut. Each side plays up different aspects of the goulash, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe in mini bread bowls for a fun twist at parties, or portion it into ramekins alongside roasted vegetables for an elegant dinner. Leftovers make an incredible filling for sandwiches or turnovers—get creative and make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover goulash to airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours—this way, the flavors continue to meld, and the dish honestly tastes even better the next day. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days, making lunch and easy dinners a cinch.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully! Cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep its flavor and texture intact for up to three months—perfect for meal prepping or a future comfort meal.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heating. If it thickens up a bit too much, add a splash of beef broth while warming to bring it back to the perfect saucy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast provides the best balance of flavor and tenderness for this Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe, you can substitute with stew meat or even brisket. Just make sure to trim excess fat for the best texture.

Is it possible to add vegetables?

Sure thing! Bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes are classic additions. Just chop them into large chunks and add at the beginning with the other ingredients for a heartier, vegetable-rich stew.

What type of paprika works best?

For authentic flavor, Hungarian sweet paprika is ideal. Smoked paprika adds a different twist, and either will give the Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe its signature deep color and aroma.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply use a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Follow the same ingredient steps, simmering gently on the stovetop over low heat until the beef is tender (about 2 to 3 hours), then finish with the cornstarch slurry just like in the slow cooker method.

How spicy does the dish get?

The cayenne pepper adds a subtle background heat rather than overwhelming spice. If you like things mild, leave it out, or double it for more of a kick—the Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe is flexible to your tastes!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for comfort food that’s both low effort and high reward, give this Simple Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe a try. It’ll quickly win a spot in your regular dinner rotation, and you’ll love sharing its rich, deeply savory joy with friends and family alike. Savor every warming bite!