Embrace the warmth and richness of Hungarian cuisine with this comforting Slow Cooker Beef Goulash recipe. Bursting with flavors of tender beef, savory tomatoes, and aromatic spices, this dish is the perfect way to cozy up on a chilly evening. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can effortlessly prepare a hearty meal that will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Beef Goulash recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 sizable onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Three 15-ounce cans of tomato sauce
- Two 14 ½-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, along with their natural juices
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of Italian seasonings
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups of elbow pasta
- 2 cups of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add Aromatics: To the slow cooker, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasonings, and bay leaves. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook the goulash on low for 6-8 hours, or until the flavors have melded together and the beef is tender.
- Cook Pasta (Optional): About 30 minutes before serving, cook the elbow pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and stir it into the slow cooker.
- Serve: Once the goulash is ready, discard the bay leaves and serve hot. Sprinkle each serving with a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mixture of diced vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat if desired.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the goulash during the last hour of cooking.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer in this recipe. Macaroni, penne, or rotini would work well as alternatives to elbow pasta.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover goulash for future meals. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.
Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb? A: Yes, you can modify this recipe to be keto-friendly or low-carb by omitting the pasta altogether and serving the goulash over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead. Adjust the seasonings to taste and reduce the amount of diced tomatoes to lower the carb content.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version: For a keto-friendly version of Beef Goulash, omit the elbow pasta and serve the goulash over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Ensure the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes used are low in added sugars to keep the carb count low.
Low-Carb Version: To reduce the carb content, use a low-carb pasta alternative such as shirataki noodles or konjac noodles. These noodles are low in calories and carbs, making them suitable for a low-carb diet. Adjust the serving size according to your dietary preferences.
Immerse yourself in the comforting flavors of this Slow Cooker Beef Goulash, a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to family for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests at a gathering, this hearty meal is sure to please. With its rich blend of beef, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, each bite is a taste of culinary delight. Customize it to your liking with optional ingredients and variations, and enjoy the satisfaction of a warm and satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.
With its rich blend of beef, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, each bite of this Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is a taste of culinary delight. Customize it to your liking with optional ingredients and variations, and enjoy the satisfaction of a warm and satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.
