Description
Hearty Hungarian Goulash brings robust flavors from Central European kitchens to your dining table with tender beef braised in paprika-rich sauce. Rich, comforting spices will draw you into this classic peasant dish that speaks directly to soul-warming comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (or cubed beef stew meat)
Tomato Base:
- 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
Pasta and Topping (added later):
- 1.5 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Thoroughly sear ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until completely browned, carefully eliminating all excess fat through proper draining.
- Migrate the prepared meat into the slow cooker, introducing a vibrant medley of aromatics including diced onions and minced garlic to establish a robust flavor foundation.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, creating a rich, velvety liquid base that will infuse the dish with deep, complex flavors.
- Incorporate beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a harmonious blend of paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to elevate the goulash’s flavor profile.
- Thoroughly mix all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of seasonings and creating a cohesive, well-integrated mixture.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the ingredients to meld and develop their flavors on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or alternatively on high for 3-4 hours.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce elbow macaroni into the slow cooker, gently stirring to prevent pasta from clumping.
- Replace the lid and continue cooking until pasta reaches perfect tenderness, creating a comforting, hearty texture.
- Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as necessary to achieve optimal flavor balance.
- Plate the goulash while piping hot, optionally garnishing with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for added richness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by searing ground beef with a dash of smoked paprika for deeper, richer taste profile.
- Experiment with pasta alternatives like gluten-free macaroni or whole wheat noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beef broth and monitoring salt content during seasoning process.
- Boost protein and nutrition by incorporating diced bell peppers or zucchini during slow cooking for added texture and health benefits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg