Hungarian Goulash Recipe

If you’re looking for a cheap, hearty, and comforting meal, this Hungarian goulash recipe is a perfect choice. Made with budget-friendly beef, pantry spices, and a creamy finish, this slow cooker goulash is packed with flavor while keeping costs low.

This dish has been around for centuries and is known for its rich paprika-based sauce and tender meat. It’s ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or stretching ingredients when groceries are tight.

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💰 Why This Recipe is Budget-Friendly

• Uses cheap cuts of beef (chuck steak)
• Bulked out with tomatoes and broth
• Slow cooking makes tough meat tender and flavorful
• Easily stretches to 4–5 servings (or more with sides)

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🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb 7 oz (800 g) chuck steak, cubed
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• Salt and pepper
• 1½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 14 oz (400 g) canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 beef bouillon cube (dissolved)
• 3 fl oz (100 ml) red wine
• 8 fl oz (250 ml) sour cream

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Hungarian Goulash

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Lightly coat the beef cubes in flour. Heat oil in a pan and brown the beef in batches.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

Transfer beef to the slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, paprika, thyme, tomatoes, bouillon, and red wine.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cook:

• High: 4–5 hours
• Low: 8–10 hours

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In the last hour, remove the lid to reduce the sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Stir in sour cream 30 minutes before serving.

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🍽️ What to Serve with Goulash

• Rice (cheapest option)
• Egg noodles
• Mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread

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💡 Tips for Best Results

• Use chicken broth instead of wine to save money
• Add potatoes or carrots to stretch servings
• Make it ahead — tastes even better next day

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❄️ Storage & Meal Prep

• Fridge: up to 4 days
• Freezer: up to 3 months
• Reheat: microwave or stovetop with a splash of water