Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by chopping your vegetables. Dice the bell peppers and onion into small pieces—about ½-inch cubes work best. For the beef stew meat, if it’s not already cubed, cut it into bite-sized chunks. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
Step 2: Combine in the Crockpot
Once all your ingredients are prepped, place the beef stew meat, bell peppers, onions, and diced tomatoes into the crockpot. Sprinkle in the paprika, and then add the beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the paprika and seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours. The low and slow cooking method is key to tenderizing the beef and allowing all the flavors to meld together. As it cooks, the beef will absorb the spices, while the peppers and onions soften and release their natural sweetness into the broth. You’ll be greeted by a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Serve
Once the cooking time is up, check the beef for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and easy to shred with a fork. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you find the sauce is too thin, you can let it cook uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, add a little extra beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serve the goulash hot, either on its own or over a bed of mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or a side of crusty bread. The sauce should be rich and savory, and the beef should melt in your mouth with each bite. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Notes
- Beef Substitute: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the beef stew meat with chicken thighs or pork. Both options will absorb the flavors well and provide a different twist on the classic.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free version, consider using hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant in place of the beef. You may also want to add a bit of extra vegetable broth to make up for the lack of meat.
- Spicy Goulash: If you enjoy heat, you can swap out some of the sweet paprika for smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the goulash an extra kick.
- Broth Choices: For a deeper flavor, try using homemade beef broth or a mixture of beef and chicken broth. You can also try adding a splash of red wine to enhance the richness of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours