Hungarian Goulash is more than just a meal – it’s a culinary journey through the heart of Central European cuisine. This rich, warming stew embodies centuries of Hungarian cooking traditions, transforming humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish that warms both body and soul. Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and layers of paprika-infused flavor, this goulash represents comfort food at its absolute finest.
Ingredients
- Meat and Seasoning:
- 1 kg (2 lb) beef chuck, cut into 3.5 cm (1.5″) cubes
- 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 brown onions, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), chopped
- 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- Spices and Liquid:
- 1/4 cup Hungarian-style paprika
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 liter (4 cups) low-sodium beef stock
- Garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Cooking Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat and Prepare: Set oven to 180°C (350°F). Season beef with half the salt and pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large oven-proof dutch oven, heat oil and butter. Cook onions for 6 minutes until edges turn golden.
- Brown the Beef: Add beef, stirring until the exterior changes from red to brown (about 2 minutes). Note: It won’t become deeply golden, and that’s perfectly fine.
Building the Flavor
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Stir for 3 minutes, allowing tomatoes to break down.
- Spice Integration: Sprinkle paprika, caraway seeds, and add bay leaf. Stir for 30 seconds to release aromatics.
- Initial Cooking: Pour in beef stock, bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven.
Slow Cooking Process
- First Stage: Bake covered for 1.5 hours. Beef should become tender but not completely falling apart.
- Final Stage: Add carrots and potatoes. Return to oven for an additional 30 minutes.
- Check Tenderness: Beef should now be fall-apart tender. If not, continue cooking in 10-minute increments.
Serving
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread for an authentic experience.
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 425
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
Pro Tips for Perfect Goulash
- Use authentic Hungarian paprika for the most genuine flavor
- Choose well-marbled beef chuck for maximum tenderness
- Low and slow cooking is key to developing rich flavors
- Can be made in oven, slow cooker, or on stovetop
- Tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop
A true taste of Hungary, this goulash brings comfort and tradition to your dining table!