Pin this A hearty, comforting Hungarian-inspired stew featuring tender beef, sweet paprika, and vegetables, served with warm, crusty bread for a satisfying budget-friendly meal.
This goulash reminds me of cozy family dinners where the aroma fills the whole house and everyone gathers around the table.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Onions: 2 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Beef chuck: 1.2 lbs (550 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Sweet paprika: 2 tbsp
- Caraway seeds: 1 tsp (optional)
- Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
- Carrots: 2 medium, sliced
- Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz / 400 g)
- Beef broth: 3 cups (700 ml)
- Salt: 1 tsp, or to taste
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Bay leaf: 1
- Parsley: 1 small bunch, chopped (optional)
- Crusty bread: 1 loaf (e.g., baguette or rustic country bread)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat Add the onions and sauté until golden and soft about 8 minutes
- Step 2:
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- Step 3:
- Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides about 6 8 minutes
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle in the paprika and caraway seeds stirring to coat the beef and onions
- Step 5:
- Stir in the tomato paste then add the carrots potatoes bell pepper diced tomatoes and bay leaf Mix well
- Step 6:
- Pour in the beef broth season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer
- Step 7:
- Reduce the heat to low Cover and simmer gently for 1.5–2 hours stirring occasionally until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened
- Step 8:
- Discard the bay leaf Adjust seasoning if needed
- Step 9:
- Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley and accompanied by thick slices of crusty bread
Pin this My family always looks forward to this meal during chilly evenings creating warm and joyful memories.
Required Tools
Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven Cutting board Sharp knife Wooden spoon Ladle
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (from bread) This recipe is dairy-free as written If serving with bread check for allergens such as wheat soy or sesame in the bread ingredients Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 540 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 37 g per serving
Pin this This beef goulash is a timeless dish that combines rich flavors and easy preparation for a perfect family dinner.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef works best for this stew?
Beef chuck is ideal as it becomes tender and flavorful during the long simmering process, absorbing spices and broth beautifully.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors deepen when left overnight, and leftovers store well in the fridge for up to three days.
- → What sides complement this hearty dish?
Crusty bread is traditional and perfect for soaking up the rich sauce, while a fresh green salad adds lightness.
- → How is the paprika used in this dish?
Sweet paprika is sprinkled over browned beef and onions to impart a warm, smoky flavor that defines the stew’s character.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for this hearty dish?
Swapping beef for a mix of root vegetables offers a delicious vegetarian approach, maintaining hearty textures and natural sweetness.