Name: Hungarian Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 large onions, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons sweet paprika (Hungarian preferred); 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (whole or ground); 1/2 teaspoon marjoram; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 4 cups beef broth; 1 large bell pepper (green or red), diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Sour cream or fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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This comforting supper wraps you in a warm blanket of flavor. The secret lies in rich, smoky paprika transforming simple ingredients. My absolute favorite Hungarian Goulash Recipe yields unbelievably tender beef chunks swimming in a flavorful broth. I find that deep, slow cooking truly unlocks complex tastes.

We often make a huge batch on Sunday afternoons. Leftovers are even better the next day, making lunch planning simple. Sometimes I serve it straight from the pot while watching the evening news. It’s real, satisfying food for busy lives.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Hungarian Goulash Recipe stands out from standard stews.

Incredible Depth: The sweet Hungarian paprika is truly a flavor powerhouse.
Simple Steps: Though it simmers long, the active work is surprisingly minimal.
Perfect Texture: The beef melts right in your mouth every single time.
Crowd Pleaser: It’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners.

Hungarian Goulash Recipe Ingredients

Creating this hearty beef stew feels like stirring up pure magic in a pot. The combination of beef, onions, and quality spices offers incredible depth. We are building layers patiently here, something I adore about slow-cooked meals.

Substitutions and Tips

Using genuine Hungarian sweet paprika makes a huge difference in your Hungarian Goulash Recipe. If you cannot find caraway, don’t stress too much. You can substitute with a tiny pinch of ground cumin for earthiness. For extra richness, use bone broth instead of standard beef broth. Store extras tightly sealed in the fridge for up to four days.

Remember, exact measurements live on the printable card below. Shop for good quality, well-marbled beef chuck every time.

How to Make Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Making this classic dish is straightforward, despite its impressive results. Follow these simple steps closely for the best outcome. We aim for tender beef and velvety sauce development.

Step 1: Browning the Beef

Heat your oil in a heavy Dutch oven. You must brown the beef cubes in batches initially. Searing locks in all those wonderful meat juices beautifully. Crowding the pot steams the meat instead. Remove the browned beef after each batch finishes cooking.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Base

Next, add your chopped onions to the remaining oil. Cook these until they soften beautifully, perhaps ten minutes. Then toss in the garlic swiftly. Cook for just one minute until you smell the fragrance. Now, stir in the paprika, caraway, and marjoram. Bloom these delicious spices well.

Step 3: The First Simmer

Return all that seared beef back into the large pot. Pour in the beef broth and the diced tomatoes next. Bring the liquid up to a gentle simmer slowly. Cover the pot tightly now. Let the beef tenderize for almost two hours on low heat. This slow bath is crucial for your Hungarian Goulash Recipe.

Step 4: Adding Hearty Vegetables

After the meat is nearly fork-tender, add your vegetables. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, and diced bell pepper together. Re-cover the pot completely. Continue simmering for about forty more minutes. Wait until those root vegetables become perfectly soft.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Resting

Taste your broth as the final step. Adjust the salt and pepper levels to your liking now. A good seasoning makes all the difference here. Let the finished stew rest off the heat briefly. This resting period lets the flavors deepen wonderfully.

How to Store Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Leftover Hungarian Goulash Recipe stores wonderfully, which busy gals appreciate. Cool the stew down completely before sealing it tightly. Refrigerate portions in shallow containers for up to four days. For longer storage, you can easily freeze this beef stew. It keeps well in the freezer for three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.