Goulash Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This goulash recipe brings cozy comfort to your table, with rich flavors that make every bite feel like a warm hug. It’s easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

• Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples, so you won’t need a fancy grocery run.
• One-Pot Wonder – Less mess, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Flexible & Filling – Toss in extra veggies or swap noodles—it’s forgiving and always satisfying.

Recipe

Goulash is a hearty and flavorful Hungarian stew that has become a beloved dish worldwide. This recipe offers a classic take on the traditional dish, using simple ingredients to create a rich and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tbsp vegetable oil

2 large onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp sweet paprika

1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

4 cups beef broth

2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 tsp salt, or to taste

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 bay leaf

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, paprika, and caraway seeds, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
3. Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Serve hot, optionally topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Notes:

For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp of flour with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry and stir it into the goulash during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors develop further.

Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Serving: 4-6

Nutrition

Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish, but it’s also important to evaluate its nutritional profile. Below is a breakdown of the typical nutritional content per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my goulash with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance its rich flavors. A slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that savory sauce. These combinations make the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Side Dishes

When it comes to pairing side dishes with goulash, I love keeping things simple yet satisfying. A crisp side salad with fresh greens balances the rich flavors, while spicy toppings like pickled jalapeños add a kick. I often toss in cucumber slices or coleslaw for crunch. These sides don’t overpower the dish but complement it perfectly, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Bread Pairings

Since goulash is such a hearty dish, it’s only natural to pair it with bread that can soak up all that delicious sauce. I love experimenting with bread varieties to match its rich flavor profiles. Crusty sourdough or a soft baguette works wonders, while rye bread adds a deeper, earthy note. Even a simple slice of buttered white bread can be the perfect companion to this comforting meal.