Hearty Paprika Beef Goulash

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Hearty Paprika Beef Goulash is your ticket to a soul-warming meal that brings the rich flavors of Eastern Europe straight to your kitchen. This dish is all about tender beef simmering in a fragrant sauce that’s perfect for chilly nights or when you just need a bit of comfort on your plate.

Ingredients for Hearty Paprika Beef Goulash

Beef chuck is the star here, offering a balance of flavor and tenderness after a long simmer. Olive oil helps to brown the beef and sauté the veggies, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair. Onions and garlic build the base of flavor, while red bell peppers add a sweet, fresh contrast. Diced tomatoes introduce acidity and body to the sauce. Beef broth deepens the savory notes, and smoked paprika is the key to that distinctive, aromatic warmth. Caraway seeds add an earthy, slightly anise-like aroma that rounds out the dish. A touch of salt and ground black pepper enhances all the flavors. All-purpose flour thickens the sauce just right. Sour cream adds creaminess, while apple cider vinegar gives a subtle tang. Finally, fresh parsley brightens everything up at the end.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra depth of flavor, try searing the beef in batches; this ensures even browning.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  • If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this goulash with a side of buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. A crusty bread or a light cucumber salad also makes an excellent accompaniment, adding texture and freshness to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, beef stew meat or brisket can be used, but remember to adjust cooking times as needed.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika can work, but you might miss the depth of the smoky flavor. A touch of liquid smoke can help if you have it.

Hearty Paprika Beef Goulash Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the beef cubes. Let them brown well on all sides, which might take about 6–8 minutes, then remove them and set aside. This step is crucial for flavor, so don’t rush it.

In the same pot, toss in your chopped onions. Sauté them until they're soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, red bell peppers, and caraway seeds. Keep everything moving so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Return the beef to the pot and sprinkle with flour. Stir it around to coat the beef evenly. This will help thicken the sauce later. Add smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, giving everything a good mix so the spices can start to work their magic.

Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours. Check occasionally and give it a stir. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

Just before serving, stir in the sour cream and apple cider vinegar. This will add a lovely creaminess and a touch of tang. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly tender beef that's melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
  • The smoky, deep flavor of paprika gives it a unique twist.
  • It's a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Comforting and hearty without being too heavy.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 red bell peppers, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
3 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent, then stir in garlic, red bell peppers, and caraway seeds.
4. Return the beef to the pot and sprinkle with flour, stirring to coat.
5. Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, or until beef is tender.
8. Stir in sour cream and apple cider vinegar before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley.

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