Description
Hungarian Goulash is a hearty and comforting stew made with tender stewing beef, onions, paprika, and traditional spices simmered to perfection. This rich and flavorful dish is enhanced with potatoes and carrots, making it a complete meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons salted butter (or oil, or lard – preferred)
- 2 medium yellow onions, diced
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1½ pounds stewing beef (or chuck), trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or water), divided
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Vegetables & Garnish
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they are translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the caraway seeds and paprika to release their flavors.
- Prepare Beef: In a bowl or zip-top bag, dredge the beef cubes in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour. Add the floured beef to the onion mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the meat to brown slightly.
- Add Liquids & Vegetables: Slowly pour in ¼ cup of the beef broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Then add the remaining broth along with the drained diced tomatoes. If using, add the diced potatoes and carrots. Season everything with salt and black pepper.
- Simmer Goulash: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish the goulash with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess and tang.
Notes
- If preferred, lard can be used instead of butter for a more traditional flavor.
- Caraway seeds add a distinct flavor, but they can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of paprika based on your heat preference (sweet or hot paprika).
- Adding potatoes and carrots is optional but makes the stew heartier.
- Serve with crusty bread or egg noodles for a complete meal.
- This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
