Traditional Hungarian Goulash

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Traditional Hungarian Goulash is a hearty, warming dish with roots deep in Hungarian history. It's a comforting stew perfect for chilly days, featuring tender beef and a medley of vegetables seasoned with rich paprika. This recipe is your ticket to bringing a taste of Hungary into your kitchen.

Ingredients for Traditional Hungarian Goulash

The star of this dish is the beef chuck, which becomes beautifully tender when slow-cooked. Vegetable oil is used for sautéing and helps the flavors meld together. Onions and garlic provide the aromatic base. The Hungarian sweet paprika is essential — it gives the goulash its characteristic sweet and slightly smoky flavor. Tomato paste adds richness and depth, while caraway seeds bring a hint of earthy warmth. Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors, and beef broth acts as the flavorful liquid that ties everything together. Carrots add a touch of sweetness, potatoes make it hearty, and the red and green bell peppers provide a subtle crunch and color.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use authentic Hungarian paprika for the best flavor — it makes all the difference.
  • If you prefer a thicker goulash, remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of cooking to let it reduce.
  • For a deeper flavor, prepare the goulash a day in advance and let it sit overnight in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Hungarian Goulash pairs beautifully with crusty bread or homemade dumplings to soak up all that flavorful broth. A simple cucumber salad on the side adds a refreshing contrast to the rich stew. For a more traditional touch, serve it with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, beef shank or brisket can work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Is there a vegetarian version?
You can substitute the beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How can I add more spice?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot paprika when you add the sweet paprika.

Traditional Hungarian Goulash Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them sauté until the onions turn translucent — this usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the Hungarian sweet paprika, tomato paste, and caraway seeds. These need just a minute to release their flavors before you add the beef cubes.

Once the beef is in the pot, cook it until it's browned on all sides. This won't take long, about 5-8 minutes. Then, season the mixture with salt and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth, making sure it covers the beef entirely. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about an hour, giving the flavors time to develop.

After an hour, add the carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers to the pot. These veggies will need about 30 minutes of simmering until they're tender and the beef is fully cooked. Before serving, taste your goulash and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting warmth of this traditional dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Amazing depth of flavor thanks to Hungarian sweet paprika.
  • Easy one-pot meal — less mess, more flavor.
  • Perfect for meal prep — tastes even better the next day.
  • A crowd-pleaser for gatherings or family dinners.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 large onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cups beef broth
2 large carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until onions are translucent.
2. Stir in paprika, tomato paste, and caraway seeds, cooking for another minute.
3. Add beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Season with salt and black pepper, then pour in beef broth.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Add carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers.
7. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
8. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!