Slow-Cooked Hungarian Beef Goulash with Noodles
Indulge in the rich, warming flavors of this Slow-Cooked Hungarian Beef Goulash, a classic comfort food that's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. The tender chunks of beef stew meat are infused with aromatic spices such as ground paprika and marjoram, creating a hearty and satisfying stew. Paired with egg noodles, this dish is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Simply prepare it in your crock pot for an effortless meal that captures the essence of traditional Hungarian cuisine.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (sliced)
carrots
3 (cut into small pieces)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
dried marjoram
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
pepper
3/4 teaspoon (none)
beef stew meat
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
beef broth
1/2 cup (none)
red wine
1/4 cup (none)
tomato paste
1/4 cup (none)
ground paprika
4 teaspoons (none)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
sour cream
2 tablespoons (none)
egg noodles
8 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the sliced onions and chopped carrots at the bottom of the crock pot, creating a flavorful base for the stew.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dried marjoram, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef stew meat in this mixture until well-coated.
3
Add the seasoned beef to the crock pot on top of the onions and carrots.
4
In another bowl, mix together the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, ground paprika, and minced garlic. Pour this rich mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
5
Cover the crock pot securely and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
6
About 30 minutes before the goulash is ready, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and transfer them to a serving platter.
7
Once the stew is finished cooking, gently stir in the sour cream to add creaminess and balance the flavors.
8
Serve the goulash over the prepared egg noodles, allowing each serving to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Hungarian Beef Goulash?
It is a hearty stew featuring tender beef, paprika, and other spices, traditionally served over egg noodles or with bread.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How long should I cook the goulash in the crock pot?
The goulash should be cooked on low for 7 to 8 hours to ensure the meat is tender and flavors are well-blended.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The recipe uses 1 sliced onion and 3 carrots cut into small pieces.
How do I prepare the beef before adding it to the crock pot?
Toss the beef stew meat in a mixing bowl with 1/4 cup flour, 2 teaspoons dried marjoram, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper.
Do I need to brown the meat before slow cooking?
No, the instructions specify to add the seasoned beef directly to the crock pot on top of the vegetables.
What spices are used for the flavor base?
Key spices include 4 teaspoons of ground paprika, 2 teaspoons of dried marjoram, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
What liquids are used in the goulash?
The liquid mixture consists of 1/2 cup beef broth and 1/4 cup red wine.
Is there a substitute for red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of additional beef broth.
What role does tomato paste play in the recipe?
1/4 cup of tomato paste is used to provide richness and depth to the stew's sauce.
How do I layer the ingredients in the crock pot?
Begin with the onions and carrots at the bottom, then add the seasoned beef, and finally pour the liquid mixture over everything.
When should I cook the egg noodles?
Prepare the egg noodles about 30 minutes before the goulash is finished cooking.
How many egg noodles are required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of egg noodles.
What is the purpose of the flour coating on the beef?
The 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour helps to thicken the stew's sauce as it cooks.
When do I add the sour cream?
Gently stir in the 2 tablespoons of sour cream once the stew has finished its 7 to 8-hour cooking cycle.
Why is sour cream used in Hungarian Goulash?
It adds a creamy texture and helps balance the bold flavors of the paprika and red wine.
Can I use fresh marjoram instead of dried?
Yes, but typically you would use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
What type of paprika should I use?
While the recipe specifies ground paprika, using Hungarian sweet paprika will provide the most authentic flavor.
Should the carrots be peeled?
The recipe says to cut them into small pieces; peeling is generally recommended for the best texture in stews.
How do I serve the finished goulash?
Serve the goulash directly over the prepared egg noodles so they can soak up the flavorful sauce.
Is this recipe considered a pasta dish or a stew?
It is categorized as a Stew, though it is served with pasta (egg noodles).
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
Is this a spicy dish?
Standard paprika is mild; the dish is rich and aromatic rather than heat-heavy unless hot paprika is substituted.
Can I cook this on the 'High' setting of my slow cooker?
While the recipe suggests 'Low' for 7-8 hours, you can typically cook it on 'High' for 3-4 hours if necessary.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is placing sliced onions and chopped carrots at the bottom of the crock pot.
How much salt and pepper are used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 3/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I add other vegetables to this goulash?
Yes, bell peppers or potatoes are common additions to Hungarian goulash if you want more variety.
Is the crock pot covered during cooking?
Yes, you should cover the crock pot securely to maintain the temperature and moisture.
How much beef broth is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of beef broth.