Slow Cooker Sunday: Hungarian Beef Goulash

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.

Spray the slow cooker with olive oil or cooking spray.

Cut beef stew meat into smaller pieces, about half the size of the original pieces, and place in the slow cooker.

In a bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons of fennel seed, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and pepper.

Sprinkle the spice mixture over the beef and toss to coat the meat.

Add 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1 chopped large onion, and 3 minced cloves of garlic over the beef.

Pour 14 ounces of beef broth over the mixture.

Add 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, including the juice, on top.

Stir in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and add 2 bay leaves.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 to 4.5 hours or low for 7 to 7.5 hours.

After cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the goulash.

Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce.

Taste the goulash and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve the goulash over egg noodles or rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: