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German Goulash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 70 reviews

This authentic German Goulash recipe features tender beef chuck simmered with aromatic spices, bell peppers, onions, and a rich paprika-infused sauce. Perfectly balanced with smoky and sweet paprika, this hearty stew is a comforting classic from Germany that’s ideal served with spätzle, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 2 yellow bell peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Liquids & Others

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Garnish & Serving

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor and promote browning.
  2. Heat oil and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, brown the beef cubes on all sides until well caramelized, then remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté onions: Add the chopped onions to the same pot and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, to build the base flavor.
  4. Add bell peppers and garlic: Stir in the chopped red and yellow bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes more until the peppers soften slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  5. Incorporate spices: Stir in sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release their aromas.
  6. Add tomato paste: Mix in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to meld flavors and deepen the sauce color.
  7. Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in beef broth and red wine if using, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits for extra flavor.
  8. Return beef and add bay leaf: Put the browned beef cubes back into the pot and add the bay leaf for subtle herbal notes.
  9. Simmer goulash: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding more broth if needed, until the beef is very tender.
  10. Make the flour slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup cold water until smooth to prepare a thickening agent.
  11. Thicken the goulash: Gradually whisk the flour slurry into the simmering stew. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  12. Finish and season: Remove the bay leaf, then stir in red wine vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  13. Serve: Ladle the hot goulash into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Traditionally served with spätzle, but also delicious with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Use quality beef chuck for tender, flavorful results after slow cooking.
  • If you skip the wine, increase beef broth by 1 cup to maintain liquid volume.
  • Be careful not to overcrowd the pot when browning beef to ensure proper searing.
  • The dish improves in flavor if made a day ahead and reheated.
  • Adjust consistency by adding more broth or thickening further with additional flour slurry if needed.

Keywords: German Goulash, beef stew, paprika stew, traditional German recipe, hearty beef stew, slow-simmered goulash

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/german-goulash-recipe/