Goulash in Crockpot Recipe: A Simple Slow Cooker Solution for a Flavorful Stew
Guide or Summary:IngredientsInstructionsWhy You'll Love This RecipeGoulash, a hearty Hungarian stew, is traditionally made with a rich blend of meat, vegeta……
Guide or Summary:
Goulash, a hearty Hungarian stew, is traditionally made with a rich blend of meat, vegetables, and spices. While it's often associated with the stovetop, making goulash in a crockpot is a fantastic way to simplify the cooking process without sacrificing flavor. This slow cooker version of goulash is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend afternoons, ensuring that you can enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
To make this delicious goulash in crockpot recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or beef stew meat
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. **Brown the Meat**: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or beef stew meat and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. **Prepare Vegetables**: While the meat is browning, dice the onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini. Set them aside.
3. **Combine Ingredients**: Once the meat is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. **Add Vegetables**: Add the diced onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
5. **Cook**: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through.
6. **Add Peas**: In the final 15 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
7. **Serve**: Once the goulash is done, transfer it to a large serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- **Easy Preparation**: This goulash in crockpot recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. You simply brown the meat, chop the vegetables, and throw everything into the slow cooker. Set it and forget it!
- **Customizable**: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, or swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- **Serves Crowds**: This slow cooker goulash recipe makes a generous amount of stew, perfect for feeding a family or sharing with friends.
- **Flavorful and Comforting**: Despite being made in a slow cooker, this goulash is full of rich, savory flavors that are reminiscent of the stovetop version. It's a comforting, hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion.
- **Saves Time**: By using a slow cooker, you can prepare a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time. This recipe is a great example of how slow cooking can make meal preparation a breeze.
This goulash in crockpot recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved Hungarian dish with minimal effort. It's easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, the slow cooking method ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich, savory stew that's sure to please. So why not give this recipe a try and see how easy and delicious goulash can be in a slow cooker?