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Hungarian Goulash Recipe

5 from 128 reviews

Hungarian Goulash is a hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender beef chuck, aromatic paprika, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection. This classic Eastern European dish is rich in spices and comforting in texture, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

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 butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until tender and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add Spices: Stir in caraway seeds and paprika, tossing well to evenly coat the onions and release their fragrance.
  3. Coat Beef: Pour the flour into a shallow bowl. Toss the cubed beef chuck roast in the flour until all pieces are evenly coated, which helps thicken the stew.
  4. Brown Beef: Transfer the floured beef cubes to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the beef to brown slightly on all sides to develop flavor.
  5. Add Liquids and Vegetables: Pour in the beef stock and add diced potatoes, carrots, canned diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.
  6. Simmer: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
  7. Cook Thoroughly: Let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Serve: Once the meat and vegetables are tender, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use Hungarian sweet paprika for the most authentic flavor, but regular paprika works as a substitute.
  • For thicker gravy, you may mash some of the potatoes into the stew near the end of cooking.
  • Be sure to trim excess fat from the beef to prevent the stew from becoming greasy.
  • Simmer gently to avoid toughening the beef.
  • Pair with crusty bread or spaetzle for a classic accompaniment.

Keywords: Hungarian Goulash, Beef Stew, Paprika Stew, Eastern European Stew, Comfort Food, Hearty Stew