Hearty Goulash

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Imagine a dish that warms your soul and fills your home with the comforting aroma of savory spices and tender beef. This Hearty Goulash does just that, making it the perfect meal when you crave something satisfying and full of flavor. Dive into this classic recipe, and discover why it's a timeless favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and deep flavors from a perfect blend of spices.
  • Beef that's melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch.
  • Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, chopped
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tsp caraway seeds
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)

Ingredients Explained

Beef chuck is the star here; its marbling gives the goulash a rich flavor and tender texture after slow cooking. Vegetable oil is used for browning the beef, adding a subtle base flavor. Onions and garlic provide a savory depth that complements the beef beautifully. Bell peppers add a sweet, fresh crunch that balances the richness. Beef broth forms the flavorful liquid base of the stew. Sweet paprika and caraway seeds are essential for that authentic Hungarian touch, while tomato paste and diced tomatoes bring a slight acidity and sweetness. A bay leaf adds an aromatic depth, and a dollop of sour cream gives a creamy finish if you choose to add it.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a deeper flavor, try marinating the beef in the spices overnight.
  • If you prefer a thicker goulash, remove the lid halfway through simmering to let some liquid evaporate.
  • Use a cast-iron pot if you have one; it retains heat well and evenly cooks the stew.

Detailed Instructions

Start by heating the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef chuck cubes. Brown them well on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don’t rush it. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

In the same pot, toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent. This should take about 5 minutes. The garlic will become fragrant, adding a wonderful aroma to your kitchen.

Add the bell peppers to the pot and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. The peppers should soften slightly, releasing their sweet juices.

Now, stir in the sweet paprika, caraway seeds, and tomato paste. Cook them for about a minute. This step wakes up the spices, ensuring they infuse the goulash fully.

Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours. This slow cook will make the beef fork-tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Once done, remove the bay leaf before serving. For a creamier texture, garnish with a little sour cream if desired.

Simplified Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes on all sides.
2. Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Add the chopped bell peppers and sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the paprika, caraway seeds, and tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Return the beef to the pot, add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 1.5 hours or until the beef is tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving, and garnish with sour cream if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty goulash pairs perfectly with crusty bread or over a bed of egg noodles. Add a simple green salad on the side to balance the meal. A glass of robust red wine can also complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Pork or lamb can be excellent substitutes, although the cooking time might vary.
What if I don't have sweet paprika?
You can use regular paprika, but consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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