On my busiest weeknights, I often turn to simple, hearty meals. This Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew fills my kitchen with a rich, savory aroma that promises pure satisfaction. It’s exactly what you need for a deeply satisfying, warming meal that feeds the whole family without fuss. This cherished classic, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, makes it easy to create a rich, flavorful pot of goodness everyone will love.
Your Pantry Guide to a Perfect Goulash Recipe
Crafting a truly authentic and delicious Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew starts with understanding your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hearty Beef: 2 lbs (900g) boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes (choose well-marbled for tenderness).
- Aromatic Base: 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped (essential for deep flavor); 4 cloves garlic, minced (adds warmth).
- The Paprika Difference: 3 Tbsp (45g) sweet Hungarian paprika (essential for color and classic flavor, don’t skimp!); 1/2 tsp hot paprika, or to taste (for warmth, or omit for a milder stew).
- Flavor Boosters: 1 tsp caraway seeds, crushed (for authentic herbal notes); 1/2 tsp dried marjoram (adds earthy sweetness); 1 Tbsp (15g) tomato paste (deepens umami); 1 bay leaf (for aromatic depth).
- Liquid Gold: 4 cups (950ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred, provides rich liquid).
- Thickening & Finishing: 1 Tbsp (8g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend if preferred, for a thicker sauce); 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt if that’s what’s in the fridge, for creaminess and tang).
- Fresh Picks: 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional, for added veggies and a touch of sweetness).
- Ingredient Notes:
- Choosing Paprika: Ensure it’s fresh Hungarian sweet paprika for authentic flavor and vibrant color.
- Beef Cuts: Chuck is best, its fat renders beautifully, but stewing beef or even venison (if you’re feeling adventurous!) can work for this Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, throughout cooking, to balance flavors.
Simple Steps for Your Best Hungarian Goulash
Making a delicious Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew is a straightforward process, mostly hands-off. Follow these steps for a rich, comforting meal.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large 6-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Brown beef in batches for 5-7 minutes per batch until deeply colored on all sides. If your beef isn’t searing well, ensure the pot is hot enough and don’t overcrowd it. Browning creates incredible flavor! Remove beef and set aside on a plate.
- Build the Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add a splash more oil if needed, then sauté chopped onions for 10-15 minutes until very soft, translucent, and golden. They should smell sweet and fragrant. Add minced garlic, all of the paprika (sweet and hot), and caraway seeds; cook for just 1 minute until spices are fragrant and the aroma fills your kitchen. Be careful not to burn the paprika.
- Deglaze & Simmer: Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon – this adds immense flavor to your Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew. Return the seared beef to the pot, add the bay leaf and marjoram. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Slow Cook Perfection: Cover the pot tightly and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is incredibly fork-tender and pulls apart easily. I often use my slow cooker for this step on busy days, letting it bubble on low for 6-8 hours, which makes the meat fall-apart tender without constant checking.
- Thicken & Finish: If a thicker stew is desired, whisk 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour with 2 Tbsp cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the simmering stew and cook for 10-15 minutes until it gently thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream just before serving; do not boil the stew after adding the sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. The flavors should be rich and balanced.
Chef’s Tip: For a healthier twist and more easy dinner ideas, add diced carrots or bell peppers with the onions during step 2. This is a great way to boost vegetable intake in this family-friendly meal.
How to Enjoy Your Comforting Goulash Recipe
This comforting stew is a perfect, hearty meal for any weeknight after a long day.
It easily scales up for family gatherings, potlucks, or dinner parties, ensuring everyone gets a satisfying serving.
For little ones, serve this comforting dish with egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes; it’s a guaranteed kid-friendly favorite.
Classic Pairings
- Starchy Sides: Enjoy with egg noodles (nokedli), fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread for soaking up every bit of sauce.
- Fresh & Tangy: A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt adds a refreshing tang, perfectly complementing the rich stew.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Goulash tastes even better the next day, allowing flavors to deepen beautifully.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days for easy meal prep.
- This rich goulash freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Why This Hungarian Goulash Recipe is a Family Kitchen Win
- Time-Saving Comfort: Enjoy mostly hands-off cooking, perfect for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
- Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses economical cuts of beef and pantry staples to create a deeply satisfying, cost-effective meal.
- Nutrient-Packed Goodness: A hearty source of protein and essential nutrients, making it a truly nutritious family dinner.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Cook a big batch of this easy beef stew for lunches or quick dinner ideas throughout the week. When I’m short on time, I sometimes add a can of diced tomatoes for extra body.
- Flexible & Forgiving: Easily adapt it to what you have on hand, supporting healthy recipes for families without stress.
Customize Your Goulash Recipe: Tips & Tweaks
Flavor Deepening Tips
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Soft, caramelized onions are crucial for the stew’s deep, authentic flavor. Cook them slowly until golden.
- Toast Your Paprika: Briefly cooking paprika with onions in the pot enhances its aroma and taste, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Spice It Up
- Smoky Goulash: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika alongside the sweet variety for a richer, more complex profile.
- Heat Lovers: Introduce a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of warmth.
Dietary Adjustments
- Gluten-Free Goulash: Use 1.5 tablespoons of a gluten-free flour blend or a cornstarch slurry for thickening. Always ensure your beef broth is also certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the sour cream entirely or opt for a plant-based alternative to maintain creaminess.
- Low-Carb Options: Serve this hearty stew over cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables instead of traditional noodles or potatoes.
- Kid-Friendly Tweaks: Reduce or omit hot paprika entirely. Serve with mild sides like mashed potatoes to ensure it’s enjoyable for everyone.
Your Goulash Recipe Questions, Answered
Q: Is this Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew spicy?
A: Traditionally, Hungarian goulash offers rich flavor rather than intense spice. The heat depends on your paprika choice; adjust by adding a pinch of hot paprika for warmth or skipping it completely for a milder dish.
Q: Can I make this Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing your onions with spices on the stovetop, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is meltingly tender.
Q: What’s the best beef cut for a Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew?
A: Boneless beef chuck roast is the ideal choice. Its excellent marbling guarantees a tender, incredibly flavorful stew that perfectly handles the long, slow cooking process. It’s my go-to cut for this recipe.
Q: How can I thicken my Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew?
A: A common method involves mixing a tablespoon of flour with a little water to form a smooth slurry. Stir this directly into the simmering stew and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Q: How long does homemade Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew last in the fridge?
A: Your delicious homemade Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew will stay fresh and flavorful in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier!
Q: Can I freeze Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew?
A: Yes, it freezes wonderfully! Once completely cooled, transfer your stew into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Is this Goulash Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
A: Yes, with simple modifications! Replace all-purpose flour for thickening with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend or a cornstarch slurry, and verify your beef broth is certified gluten-free as well.
Whip up this incredible Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew tonight and bring a taste of comforting tradition to your table. It’s an easy, hearty dish that promises rich flavors and satisfied smiles, perfect for healthy family dinners. You’ll love having this family-friendly meal ready. Don’t wait – save this recipe to your Pinterest board for your next meal prep!
Goulash Recipe Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew
- Total Time: 225 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This Hungarian-Style Beef and Paprika Stew is a hearty, savory, and warming meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s a deeply satisfying, rich dish for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- 0.5 tsp hot paprika, or to taste
- 1 tsp caraway seeds, crushed
- 0.5 tsp dried marjoram
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth, low sodium preferred
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp oil, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches for 5-7 minutes per batch until deeply colored. Remove beef and set aside.
- Build Flavor Base: Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onions for 10-15 minutes until soft and golden. Add minced garlic, paprikas, and caraway seeds; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Stir in tomato paste for 1 minute. Pour in beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Return beef, add bay leaf and marjoram. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Slow Cook Stew: Cover pot tightly, reduce heat to low, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.
- Thicken and Finish: For a thicker stew, whisk 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour with 2 Tbsp cold water; stir into simmering stew and cook 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream (do not boil).
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the goulash and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Notes
Ensure fresh Hungarian sweet paprika for authentic flavor. Beef chuck is best for tenderness, but stewing beef also works. Add salt and pepper to taste throughout cooking. For extra vegetables, add diced carrots or bell peppers with the onions. Avoid boiling the stew after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (400 g)
- Calories: 520 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Hungarian Goulash, Beef Stew, Paprika, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal, Slow Cooker, Easy Dinner, Family Friendly