Hungarian Goulash Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal

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Hungarian Goulash is a classic comfort food that brings the rich, hearty flavors of Hungary right to your kitchen. Made with tender beef, paprika, onions, and peppers, this stew is perfect for a cozy dinner.

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, even with its deep and savory taste. Using key ingredients like quality Hungarian paprika and beef broth, you can create a dish that feels both traditional and deliciously unique. Serve it with noodles, rice, or fresh bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Hungarian goulash:

Main Ingredients

• Beef: Use chuck roast or stewing beef cut into chunks. Substitute: Pork can be used instead.
• Onions: Chopped finely.
• Garlic: Minced.
• Paprika: Hungarian sweet paprika is preferred.
• Caraway Seeds: Optional but recommended.
• Tomatoes: Chopped or use tomato paste.

Liquids

• Beef Broth: Adds depth to the flavor. Substitute: Water with beef bouillon.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds richness. Substitute: Tomato paste thinned with water.

Vegetables

• Carrots: Sliced into rounds.
• Potatoes: Cut into chunks.
• Bell Pepper: Optional for extra color and flavor.

Seasonings

• Salt: To taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground.
• Bay Leaves: Adds aroma.

Optional Additions

• Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor.
• Butter: For extra richness.

Goulash Tips

• Paprika Can Burn: Add it off the heat to avoid bitterness.
• Simmer on Low: This allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

Instructions

Step 1:
Start by heating some lard or oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2:
Add your diced bacon, if using, and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.

Step 3:
Add the beef to the pot. Brown it on all sides. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.

Step 4:
Add onions to the pot. Cook them until they are soft and lightly colored.

Step 5:
Add garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 6:
Sprinkle in Hungarian paprika, caraway seeds (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and veggies.

Step 7:
Pour in beef broth and add bay leaves. Stir everything together. If you have bacon, add it back now.

Step 8:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover, and let it simmer for about 40 minutes.

Step 9:
Add diced potatoes and continue to cook for another 30-40 minutes until all ingredients are tender.

Optional Step:
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix some flour and water to make a slurry and add it to the pot in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Once everything is cooked and flavors have melded, serve your Hungarian Goulash hot! Enjoy with a side of bread or noodles.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Choose the Right Meat: Use high-quality beef like chuck roast or shin for tender results. Trim the fat for a leaner dish.

Sauté for Flavor: Always sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers first. This releases their natural sweetness and adds depth.

Don’t Burn the Paprika: Add paprika off the heat to avoid burning it, which can make it bitter.

Adjust Consistency: If your goulash is too thin, make a cornstarch slurry with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and ¼ cup cold water or beef broth. Stir until smooth and add slowly to the goulash over low heat.

Add Vegetables Late: Add vegetables like bell peppers and potatoes 30 minutes before the cook time ends. This keeps them firm and flavourful.

Use a Slow Cooker: Cooking on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours makes the meat tender and flavors develop fully with minimal hands-on time.

Control Heat: Simmer goulash on medium heat to prevent it from boiling, which can make the beef tough.

Creamy Twist: For a creamy sauce, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking.

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.

Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat Gently: To prevent overcooking, reheat slowly and stir occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it seems too thick.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

There are many ways you can put your own twist on Hungarian Goulash.

Meat Variations:

• Beef: Traditional, hearty.
• Pork: Adds a different flavor.
• Chicken: Lighter option.

Vegetable Additions:

• Carrots: Sweet and earthy.
• Potatoes: Makes it more filling.
• Bell Peppers: Adds color and a mild sweetness.

Spice Adjustments:

• Paprika: Use smoked for a deeper flavor.
• Caraway Seeds: Optional, for extra warmth.
• Cayenne Pepper: For a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions:

• Noodles: Serve over egg noodles for a comforting meal.
• Bread: Fresh crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Rice: Provides a simple, neutral base.

Garnishes:

• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and balances the spices.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and color.

This recipe is adaptable, so feel free to mix and match based on what you like or have on hand. Enjoy your cooking!