Hungarian Herb-Infused Goulash

Name: Hungarian Herb-Infused Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 large onions, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 tbsp Hungarian paprika; 1 tsp caraway seeds; 1 tsp dried marjoram; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 2 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Hungarian Herb-Infused Goulash is a cozy, one-pot wonder that brings the heartiness of beef together with an aromatic blend of herbs and spices. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings when you're craving something warm and satisfying with a unique European flair.

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Ingredients for Hungarian Herb-Infused Goulash

Beef chuck is ideal for slow-cooking due to its marbling, which renders into tender, flavorful bites. Olive oil is a great choice for sautéing, bringing a subtle richness to the dish. Onions and garlic are the aromatic base, providing depth and savory notes. Red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. For the liquid components, beef broth enhances the savory aspect, while tomato sauce adds a subtle tang and body to the stew. The spices — Hungarian paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram — are what make this dish truly special, infusing it with warmth and earthiness. Finally, sour cream provides a creamy finish, and fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to round everything out.

Tips & Tricks

For added depth, try toasting the caraway seeds briefly before adding them to the pot.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This goulash pairs beautifully with a side of buttered egg noodles or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light cucumber salad with a vinegar dressing complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?: Yes, beef brisket or short ribs work well, but they might require a slightly longer cooking time.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?: You can use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche as alternatives for a similar tangy creaminess.
Can this be made ahead of time?: Absolutely! The flavors deepen and improve when made a day in advance. Just reheat gently before serving.

Hungarian Herb-Infused Goulash Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, add the onions, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about five minutes until they’re softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Next, add the beef cubes to the pot. You’ll want to brown them on all sides, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This step is crucial as it locks in the beef's flavor.

Sprinkle the paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir everything together so the spices coat the meat evenly.

Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally, checking the beef's tenderness and adjusting seasoning if needed.

When the beef is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream until it’s fully blended into the sauce. This will give the goulash a creamy texture.

Finally, sprinkle the fresh parsley on top as a garnish before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rich, deep flavors from authentic Hungarian spices.
Simple, straightforward prep with minimal cleanup.
Perfectly tender beef, slow-cooked to perfection.
A delightful twist with herb-infused goodness.
Comfort food that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tbsp olive oil

2 large onions, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 cups beef broth

1 cup tomato sauce

2 tbsp Hungarian paprika

1 tsp caraway seeds

1 tsp dried marjoram

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in beef cubes, cooking until browned on all sides.

4. Sprinkle paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, and pepper over beef; mix well.

5. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce; bring to a boil.

6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until beef is tender.

7. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until blended.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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