Spicy Smoky Goulash

Name: Spicy Smoky 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; 1 large onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup smoked paprika; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tbsp caraway seeds; 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup red wine; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp flour; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 2 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Spicy Smoky Goulash is your gateway to a world of bold flavors and hearty comfort. This dish combines tender beef with a smoky, spicy kick that's perfect for cozy evenings. Dive into this rich, satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.

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Ingredients for Spicy Smoky Goulash

Beef chuck is the star, providing rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. Olive oil is used for browning, adding a subtle fruitiness. Onion, garlic, and bell peppers form the aromatic base, contributing sweetness and depth. Smoked paprika gives a distinctive smoky taste, while cayenne pepper adds heat. Caraway seeds introduce a hint of earthy spice. Crushed tomatoes and beef broth create a robust sauce, with red wine adding richness. Sour cream and flour thicken the sauce, providing creaminess. Finally, fresh parsley offers a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in red wine and spices overnight.
Don't rush the browning process; it adds essential flavor.
If the sauce is too thick, adjust with more beef broth.

Serving Suggestions

This goulash pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of egg noodles. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed green beans or a crisp green salad. A glass of the same red wine you used in cooking rounds out the meal perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?: Yes, beef brisket is a good alternative, though it may alter the texture slightly.
How can I make it less spicy?: Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
Can this be frozen?: Absolutely! It freezes well and can be reheated on the stove or in a slow cooker.

Spicy Smoky Goulash Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and let them brown on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so be patient and let each side sear properly. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

In the same pot, toss in your onions, garlic, and both bell peppers. Sauté these until they're soft and fragrant. This shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Next, add in your smoked paprika, cayenne, and caraway seeds. Stir them around until the spices are well combined and you can really smell that smoky, spicy aroma.

Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour and a half, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

As your goulash nears completion, mix the sour cream and flour in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pot, allowing the sauce to thicken over another 10 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A smoky, spicy flavor profile that stands out.
Hearty and comforting — perfect for chilly nights.
Simple ingredients that pack a punch.
Ideal for making ahead and reheating.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 cup smoked paprika

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tbsp caraway seeds

1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups beef broth

1/2 cup red wine

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tbsp flour

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.

2. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, red and green bell peppers until soft.

3. Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and caraway seeds, cooking until fragrant.

4. Add the browned beef back to the pot. Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine, stirring to combine.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until beef is tender.

6. In a small bowl, mix sour cream and flour until smooth. Stir into the goulash and cook for another 10 minutes to thicken.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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