Crock Pot Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe

beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner and pork is often less expensive.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon

Vegetable broth reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

paprika

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Smoked paprika adds depth without extra calories.

potatoes

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: parsnips

Sweet potatoes offer more nutrients, while parsnips are often cheaper.

Trim 2 pounds of cubed beef stew meat (boneless chuck roast) to reduce saturated fat and calories.

Place the beef into a 4 quart or larger slow cooker.

Crush 2 teaspoons of caraway seeds with a mortar and pestle or the bottom of a heavy saucepan.

Pour the crushed caraway seeds into a small bowl.

Add 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of sweet or hot paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste to the bowl.

Stir the spices together, then sprinkle them over the beef cubes and stir well to coat the beef.

Add 1 large chopped onion and 1 small chopped red bell pepper to the slow cooker with the beef.

In a medium saucepan over high heat, add a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, a 14-ounce can of reduced sodium beef broth, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 3 cloves of minced garlic.

Stir and bring the liquid to a simmer, then pour it over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.

Place 2 bay leaves on top, stir everything well, and cover the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 7 to 7.5 hours or on high for 4 to 4.5 hours until the beef is very tender.

Once the stew is cooked, discard the bay leaves and skim any visible fat from the surface to cut the fat and calories.

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl, then stir it into the stew.

Cook the stew on high for 10 to 15 minutes longer, stirring 2 or 3 times until the sauce is thickened.

Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add a beautiful green accent.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary