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Hungarian Goulash Recipe

4.6 from 55 reviews

This traditional Hungarian Goulash is a hearty and comforting stew made with tender beef chuck, aromatic spices like paprika and caraway seeds, and a medley of vegetables including potatoes and carrots. Slow-simmered to perfection, this dish boasts rich flavors and a velvety texture, making it an ideal meal for chilly days or whenever you crave a satisfying home-cooked stew.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. salted butter
  • 2 medium yellow onions, diced roughly
  • 1 tsp. caraway seeds
  • 3 tbsp. paprika (preferably Hungarian)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 lbs. beef chuck roast, fat trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
  • 3 large russet potatoes, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Saute Onions: Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the roughly diced onions and sauté until they become tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add Spices: Stir in the caraway seeds and Hungarian paprika, tossing to coat the onions evenly and release their fragrant oils.
  3. Prepare Beef: Pour the all-purpose flour into a shallow bowl. Toss the cubed beef chuck roast in the flour until all pieces are well-coated to help thicken the stew later.
  4. Brown Beef: Transfer the floured beef cubes to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the meat to brown slightly and develop rich flavors.
  5. Add Liquids and Vegetables: Add beef stock, diced potatoes, carrots, canned diced tomatoes, sea salt, and ground black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the goulash simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and cooked through.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, use Hungarian sweet paprika specifically, but regular paprika can suffice.
  • Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface during simmering for a clearer broth.
  • If you prefer thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes before serving or increase the flour coating slightly.
  • Serve the goulash with crusty bread or over egg noodles for a complete meal.
  • Feel free to add bell peppers or garlic for additional layers of flavor.

Keywords: Hungarian goulash, beef stew, paprika stew, traditional Hungarian recipe, hearty beef stew