Goulash Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This goulash recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for any night of the week, bringing warmth and flavor to your table. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with simple ingredients that come together in one pot for minimal cleanup. The rich, savory flavors of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a hint of paprika will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Recipe

Goulash is a hearty and flavorful stew that originates from Hungary, known for its rich paprika-infused broth and tender chunks of beef. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal, especially during colder months.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and bay leaf, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
4. Add the carrots and potatoes, cover, and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fall-apart soft.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Serve hot, optionally topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Notes:

• For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp flour with 2 tbsp water and stir into the goulash during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Serving: 6-8

Nutrition

Goulash is a hearty dish packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving:

What To Serve With It

When I make goulash, I love pairing it with crusty bread, like a warm baguette or sourdough, to soak up all that rich sauce. For sides, I often go for something fresh, like a simple cucumber salad or steamed green beans, to balance the hearty flavors. Sometimes, I’ll even add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch.

Bread Options

Since goulash is hearty and rich, you’ll want something to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce—and that’s where bread comes in. I love pairing it with crusty bread types like a rustic baguette or sourdough, which hold up well to the stew’s bold flavors. For a softer option, try a slice of rye or pumpernickel—their earthy notes complement the dish perfectly. My go-to serving suggestion is to warm the bread slightly and brush it with garlic butter for extra flavor. Trust me, it’s a game-changer that makes every bite even more satisfying.

Side Dishes

No matter how delicious your goulash is, it’s always fun to round out the meal with a few tasty sides. I love serving garlic bread with goulash because it’s perfect for soaking up all that rich, savory sauce. Just toast it until golden and slather on some butter and garlic—it’s simple but totally hits the spot. For something fresh, I’ll whip up a quick salad. My go-to is a classic garden salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. It balances the hearty goulash nicely and adds a pop of color to the plate.