Main Courses > International Cuisine > European Mains > Hungarian Goulash

Traditional Hungarian Goulash

Dive into the heart of Hungarian cuisine with this authentic Goulash recipe. A rich and flavorful stew, perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe uses tender beef, aromatic spices, and slow cooking to create a truly memorable dish.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
3 hours
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large Onions, chopped
  • 3 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp Hungarian hot paprika
  • 1 tsp Caraway seeds
  • 6 cups Beef broth
  • 1 14.5 oz can Diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium Green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1.5 lbs Potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • Sour cream (optional)

Sautéing the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Building the Flavor Base

Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the sweet paprika, hot paprika, and caraway seeds. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Simmering the Goulash

Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.

Adding Vegetables

Add the chopped green bell pepper and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine. Cover and continue to cook for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Serving

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: Approximately 120-150 kcal
Protein: 10-12g
Fat: 6-8g
Carbohydrates: 5-7g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

The nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. Adjusting the amount of beef or potatoes will change the nutritional content. Using leaner beef will reduce the fat content. Adding more vegetables will increase the vitamin and fiber content.

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FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of beef?

    Yes, you can use other cuts of beef suitable for stewing, such as beef stew meat or brisket. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the beef is tender.
  • Can I make this in a slow cooker?

    Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the beef as directed, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • What is the difference between sweet and hot paprika?

    Sweet paprika adds a mild, sweet flavor, while hot paprika adds heat and spice. You can adjust the ratio of sweet to hot paprika to suit your taste.