Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

### Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

#### Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional, but Recommended)
To enhance the flavor of your goulash, it’s a good idea to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Heat the **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the **beef cubes** and cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning the beef to ensure it’s browned on all sides. This step adds depth to the dish and makes the beef more flavorful.

Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

#### Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Aromatics
To the same skillet, add the **onion** and cook for about 2 minutes, until softened. Add the **garlic** and **red bell pepper** and sauté for another minute or so, just until fragrant. You can skip this step if you’re in a hurry, but it will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Transfer the onion, garlic, and bell pepper mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.

#### Step 3: Combine the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In the slow cooker, add the **beef broth**, **diced tomatoes** (with juices), **tomato paste**, **paprika**, **dried thyme**, **oregano**, **black pepper**, **salt**, and **bay leaf**. Stir everything together to combine. The slow cooker will do the work of slowly cooking and developing the flavors.

#### Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on **low for 6-8 hours**. The beef will become meltingly tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on **high for 3-4 hours**, but for the best results, the long, slow simmer on low is ideal.

#### Step 5: Add the Peas (Optional)
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the **frozen peas** (if using). They’ll heat up and add a pop of color and flavor to the dish without becoming overcooked.

#### Step 6: Serve and Finish
Once the goulash is done cooking, remove the **bay leaf** and stir in the **apple cider vinegar**. This will help brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the beef. For a creamy touch, stir in **sour cream** before serving. This step is optional but highly recommended if you want to add a little tanginess and richness to the dish.

### How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

This slow-cooked masterpiece is versatile in terms of how it can be served. Here are some ideas:

– **With Rice**: Serve the goulash over a bed of **fluffy white rice** or **brown rice** to soak up the flavorful sauce.

– **With Mashed Potatoes**: For a more comforting, hearty meal, pair the goulash with **creamy mashed potatoes**. The creamy potatoes complement the rich beef stew perfectly.

– **With Crusty Bread**: A loaf of **crusty bread** or a **slice of fresh baguette** is perfect for dipping into the goulash sauce and mopping up all the delicious flavors.

– **With Egg Noodles**: Traditional in many goulash recipes, **egg noodles** make an excellent pairing, offering a soft, chewy contrast to the tender beef and rich sauce.

– **As-is**: If you’re watching carbs or looking for a lighter option, the goulash is perfectly satisfying on its own!

### Why This Recipe Works

– **Tender Beef**: Slow cooking the beef ensures that it becomes incredibly tender and infuses the dish with flavor. The low-and-slow approach allows the beef to absorb the spices and broth, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

– **Flavorful Sauce**: The combination of paprika, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a rich and savory sauce that’s the perfect complement to the beef. The **tomato paste** adds depth, while the **apple cider vinegar** adds a subtle tang that balances out the richness.

– **Versatile and Easy**: With minimal prep and the help of your slow cooker, this recipe allows you to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great recipe to double if you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers for the next day.

### Variations and Tips

– **Spicy Goulash**: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** or a small diced **jalapeño** to the slow cooker. This will give your goulash a nice kick.

– **Add More Veggies**: You can easily add other vegetables like **carrots**, **celery**, or **potatoes** to the goulash to make it even heartier. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them at the start with the beef and tomatoes.

– **Make it Gluten-Free**: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or gluten-free bread.

– **For Extra Creaminess**: Stir in some **heavy cream** or use a bit more **sour cream** for a richer, creamier texture. You can also add a few tablespoons of **cream cheese** for extra decadence.

### Conclusion

**Slow Cooker Beef Goulash** is the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Thanks to the magic of slow cooking, it’s a simple and hands-off dish that delivers big on taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just craving a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

With its versatility and deep, savory flavor, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation. So gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort meal with minimal effort!