Crockpot Hungarian Goulash

Hearty, flavorful, nostalgic—this Crockpot Hungarian Goulash checks all the boxes for a comfort food meal. It’s so easy to make, too!

hungarian goulash over egg noodles.

Do you love an easy crockpot meal as much as I do? A dump-and-cook meal, that requires no browning of the meat—THIS is that kind of meal!

Crockpot Hungarian Goulash is my new answer for what to do with beef stew meat, when I don’t want beef stew. My husband was a big fan!

This recipe is from a 1970’s church cookbook. While the inclusion of paprika and the lack of cheese categorize it more as Hungarian than American goulash, it’s likely more of a Hungarian-inspired goulash than the most authentic Hungarian goulash you’ve ever had (the addition of ketchup is decidedly not Hungarian).

Authenticity aside, it’s just plain good. Hearty. Easy. Tender. Stick-to-your-ribs. The flavors remind me a bit of an old fashioned sloppy joe, actually. It hits all the right notes, especially on a chilly day!

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Ingredients

beef stew meat, paprika, onion, and other ingredients.

How to make Crockpot Hungarian Goulash

GREAT news. This is as simple as can be. Place everything except the flour into a crockpot. Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours.

This next stop is optional but I love how it thickens the sauce a bit. Add flour to a jar, then add enough water to make a pourable mixture (called a slurry), and shake. Stir that into the cooked meat and sauce in the crockpot, and cook for another 15 minutes to thicken.

What to serve with goulash

All of this sauce deserves something to soak it up! Here are a few ideas for starchy side dishes for Hungarian goulash:

  • Elbow macaroni (the most traditional choice)
  • White or brown rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Egg noodles
  • A big hunk of crusty bread for dipping

📖 Recipe

hungarian goulash on top of macaroni.

Crockpot Hungarian Goulash

Published by Kate
This hearty dinner is a dump-and-go crockpot recipe. Perfect for busy days!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 408 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup flour (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Place the meat, onion, ketchup, salt, paprika, brown sugar, dry mustard, worcestershire sauce, and water in a crockpot.
  • Cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours.
  • If you'd like a thicker sauce, place the flour and ¼ cup water in a jar, and shake to combine. You can also whisk it together.
  • Stir the flour mixture into the beef mixture in the crockpot. Cook on high for 15 minutes.
  • Serve over cooked noodles (elbow macaroni, egg noodles, etc.)

Video

Notes

You can substitute ground beef for the beef stew meat, if you’d like. Brown it on the stove and drain it before adding it to the crockpot. 
Some more authentic Hungarian goulash recipes contain potatoes, bell peppers, and caraway seeds (1 teaspoon). You can add any of those along with everything else. 
Store any leftover goulash in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. This also freezes nicely, too. Freeze for up to 2 months. 
Oven directions: add everything to an oven safe dish. Cover and cook at 300°F for 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. 

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 52gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 1678mgPotassium: 992mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 408IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 6mg
Keyword crockpot goulash, hungarian crockpot goulash, hungarian goulash
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