Rustic Hearty Goulash

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Rustic Hearty Goulash is a cozy, soul-warming dish perfect for when you need comfort in a bowl. This recipe combines tender beef with vibrant vegetables and spices, creating a rich, satisfying meal that'll make you feel like you're dining in a quaint European bistro.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect blend of spices gives it a unique, aromatic flavor.
  • Hearty and filling — a complete meal in one pot.
  • Simple steps and familiar ingredients make it approachable for any home cook.
  • Great for batch cooking and freezing for future meals.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp caraway seeds
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredients Explained

Beef chuck roast is the star of the show, providing tender, flavorful bites when slow-cooked. Olive oil helps to brown the beef beautifully, while the onion and garlic layer in a savory base. Carrots and bell pepper add a touch of sweetness and color. The diced tomatoes contribute a subtle acidity that balances the dish. Beef broth enhances the richness, and paprika brings a warm, smoky depth. Caraway seeds introduce a hint of anise-like flavor, making each bite intriguing. Salt and black pepper round out the seasoning, while apple cider vinegar adds a bright tang. Bay leaf infuses an earthy aroma, and finally, sour cream and fresh parsley add a creamy, fresh finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an even richer flavor, sear the beef cubes on all sides to lock in juices.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the spices.
  • Let the goulash sit for a day in the fridge before serving — the flavors deepen over time.

Detailed Instructions

Start by cutting the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot — this helps create a nice crust on the meat. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds the foundational flavor of the goulash. Next, toss in the sliced carrots and diced bell pepper. Let them cook for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.

Stir in the diced tomatoes and pour in the beef broth. Sprinkle in the paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper. Return the browned beef to the pot, ensuring it's nestled among the vegetables and broth. Add the apple cider vinegar and bay leaf, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours. This long, slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and melds the flavors together beautifully. After simmering, remove the bay leaf and stir in the sour cream for a touch of creaminess. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley before serving.

Simplified Instructions

1. Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes in batches.
3. Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
4. Add carrots and bell pepper; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper.
6. Return beef to the pot, then add apple cider vinegar and bay leaf.
7. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 hours until meat is tender.
8. Remove bay leaf, stir in sour cream, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This goulash pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. For a more substantial meal, serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp green salad complements the hearty flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, beef stew meat or brisket can be great substitutes, though cooking times might vary slightly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This goulash freezes well for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it thoroughly before freezing.

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