Unique Hungarian Goulash

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Unique Hungarian Goulash is a rich, hearty dish that combines tender beef and vibrant vegetables with the warm, smoky flavor of Hungarian paprika. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s a comforting meal that brings international flair to your dinner table.

Ingredients for Unique Hungarian Goulash

The star of this dish is the beef chuck, which becomes incredibly tender as it cooks. Hungarian paprika adds depth and a hint of smokiness, setting this goulash apart from others. Caraway seeds bring a subtle, earthy note, while the onions and garlic build the base flavor. Red bell pepper and carrots add sweetness and color, and potatoes make it a complete meal. Apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce provide a tangy balance, and a bay leaf infuses it all with a hint of herbal aroma.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
  • For added depth of flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine before adding the broth.
  • If you prefer a thicker goulash, mash a few of the potatoes into the stew for natural thickening.

Serving Suggestions

This goulash is perfect served over a bed of egg noodles or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. A simple green salad on the side can add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute beef chuck with brisket or short ribs for a similar result.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped spicy pepper along with the other spices.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Unique Hungarian Goulash Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece gets a good sear for maximum flavor. Set the beef aside as you work through the batches.

In the same pot, toss in the finely chopped onions and let them sauté until they're soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook it for another minute, just until its aroma starts filling your kitchen.

Next, stir in the Hungarian paprika, caraway seeds, black pepper, and salt. Give it a couple of minutes so the spices can release their essence. Then, return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Stir everything together, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

After the beef has had time to tenderize, add the red bell pepper, carrots, and potatoes. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, remove the bay leaf, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Hungarian flavors with a modern twist.
  • Hearty and satisfying, perfect for family dinners.
  • Easy to make with straightforward steps.
  • One-pot meal, which means less cleanup!

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Hungarian paprika
1 tsp caraway seeds
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups beef broth
2 cups water
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
4 medium carrots, sliced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onions and sauté until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in Hungarian paprika, caraway seeds, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes to release the flavors.
4. Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Stir well.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Add bell pepper, carrots, and potatoes. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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