Description
Hungarian Goulash Stew is a traditional, rich and comforting dish featuring tender beef chuck simmered with aromatic onions, garlic, Hungarian paprika, vegetables, and savory herbs. This one-pot meal delivers deep smoky flavors and a velvety texture, perfect for cozy dinners year-round.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
Liquids and Condiments
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the beef chuck into bite-sized cubes and chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers. Proper prep ensures even cooking and melding of flavors.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the onions until translucent and lightly browned, then add garlic and sauté for another minute to release its aroma.
- Brown the Beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add the beef cubes in batches, browning all sides. This seals in juices and develops rich, caramelized flavors.
- Add Paprika and Tomato Paste: Reduce heat slightly, sprinkle in sweet Hungarian paprika while stirring gently to prevent burning, then stir in tomato paste. This forms the classic goulash base.
- Pour in Broth and Add Vegetables: Add the beef broth, carrots, bell peppers, bay leaves, and caraway seeds to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Cover the pot and let the stew cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the goulash hot with your choice of sides and garnishes.
Notes
- Brown meat in batches to avoid overcrowding and achieve better searing.
- Use sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic smoky flavor; avoid smoked paprika for tradition.
- Simmer the stew slowly to tenderize beef and develop deep flavors.
- Add vegetables later to keep them from becoming mushy but fully cooked.
- Let the stew rest off heat before serving to enhance flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Hungarian Goulash, beef stew, paprika stew, comfort food, traditional Hungarian recipe, one-pot meal