Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Authentic Hungarian Goulash: A Taste of Tradition

Ever wondered what comfort food truly means? Then let's talk goulash traditional style. This Hungarian classic is pure hug-in-a-bowl territory.

It's savoury, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. Forget boring stew, we're diving into flavour town.

What's the Deal with Goulash?

Goulash is like Hungary's national dish. It's been around for ages. Think hearty paprika stew recipe cooked up by shepherds way back when.

This Authentic Hungarian recipe isn't a 30-minute wonder. You will need roughly 3 to 3. 5 hours to deliver the perfect result.

This slow cooked beef recipe yields about 6-8 servings. Perfect for feeding a crowd or batch cooking. This is one of the best rated dinner recipes you'll ever try.

Why You’ll Love This Goulash Recipe

The secret ingredient? A whole lotta love, plus good quality paprika . This recipe has a touch of smoke, spice, and sweetness.

The beef falls apart with tenderness. We're talking melt-in-your mouth magic. If you are thinking about easy cheap meals for large families or quick budget friendly dinners , this recipe is exactly what you are looking for.

Make it when the weather is grim or you just need a plate full of comfort.

Get Your Ingredients Ready

To make this beef goulash recipe , you'll need: 3 lbs of beef chuck, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 large yellow onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 large green and red bell pepper each, 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of hot paprika (optional), 1 teaspoon of ground caraway seeds,

a can of diced tomatoes, 6 cups of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram, ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, salt, pepper and potatoes.

Ingredients & Equipment for Killer Goulash

So, you want to make the goulash traditional? Awesome! This ain't no packet mix job. We're going proper Authentic Hungarian recipe here.

You know, the kind your grandma would make if she were Hungarian. This beef goulash recipe is really gonna hit the spot.

Trust me!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Okay, let's talk ingredients. We're making Hearty beef stew , so quality matters. And also this recipe is great for Easy Cheap Meals For Large Families !

• Beef Chuck: 3 lbs (1.36 kg) , cubed. Get a good cut, with some marbling. That fat is flavour, baby!
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons . Any neutral oil will do.
• Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped. Brown onions work fine too.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
• Bell Peppers: 1 large green , 1 large red , chopped. Adds sweetness.
• Sweet Paprika: 2 tablespoons . This is ESSENTIAL. Get the good stuff.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 tablespoon . Adds depth.
• Hot Paprika: 1 teaspoon (optional) . Only if you like a kick!
• Caraway Seeds: 1 teaspoon , ground. Trust me on this.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can , undrained.
• Beef Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Low sodium is best.
• Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon .
• Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget it!
• Dried Marjoram: 1 teaspoon .
• Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1.5 lbs (680 g) , cubed. Optional, but I love them.
• Sour Cream & Parsley: For serving.

Seasoning Sensations: It's All About that Flavour

The magic of Hungarian cuisine is in the spices. It's all about that Paprika stew recipe ! Sweet paprika is the star, but the smoked and hot versions add layers.

Caraway seeds give a unique flavour. Marjoram and cumin round things out.

• Paprika Powerhouse: Sweet + Smoked + (Optional) Hot. Don't skimp!
• Aromatic Boosters: Caraway, marjoram, cumin. Adds complexity.
• Spice Subs: If you don't have caraway, fennel seeds can work in a pinch.

My little secret? A pinch of allspice. It's not traditional, but Oh my gosh! does it add something special. Don't tell anyone I said that.

Equipment: Keep It Simple

You really don't need much fancy kit to make this delicious Dutch oven goulash .

• Dutch Oven: Or a big, heavy pot. You need something that can handle hours of simmering. This recipe is awesome for Quick Budget Friendly Dinners
• Knife & Chopping Board: For chopping all those lovely veggies.
• Measuring Spoons/Cups: Accuracy is key for flavour balance.
• Wooden Spoon/Spatula: For stirring and scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Honestly, that's it. No need for a load of expensive gadgets. You're making food, not landing a rocket on the moon!.

This Slow cooked beef recipe will become one of your Best Rated Dinner Recipes ! Now, let's get cooking!

Authentic Hungarian Goulash: A Hearty and Flavorful Classic

Fancy a proper, warming dinner? This is one of the best rated dinner recipes . Forget boring stew. We're diving into goulash ! This isn't just any beef stew, this is goulash traditional , and it's going to become your new favourite hearty beef stew .

Based on this authentic Hungarian recipe , This paprika stew recipe is pure comfort food. I've tweaked it to make it super simple for a weeknight.

Perfect for easy cheap meals for large families .

Did you know, goulash dates back to the 9th century when Hungarian shepherds cooked meat in kettles over open fires? That's a bit of history in every bite!

Prep Steps

First things first: mise en place! This is key. Chop your 3 lbs beef into 1 inch cubes. Honestly, don't skimp on the beef, and don't be afraid to trim excess fat.

Dice 1 large onion , mince 2 cloves garlic , and chop 1 green and 1 red bell pepper . Have your spices measured out: 2 tablespoons sweet paprika , 1 tablespoon smoked paprika , and 1 teaspoon hot paprika (if you're feeling brave!).

1 teaspoon caraway seeds, ground , 1 tablespoon tomato paste , 1 teaspoon dried marjoram , 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin , salt and pepper to taste.

Time Saving Tip: Chop your veg while the beef rests. Saves loads of time.

step-by-step Process

1. Season beef like a boss! Salt and pepper it generously.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in your Dutch oven or heavy pot. Sear the beef in batches. Get a nice brown crust on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Add onion to the pot and cook until soft ( about 5 minutes ). Add garlic and cook till fragrant ( about 1 minute ). Stir in peppers, cook ( 3 minutes).
4. Stir in all your paprikas (sweet, smoked, hot!), caraway seeds, marjoram, and cumin. Cook, stirring constantly ( 1 minute ). Don't burn it!
5. Pour in 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes , 1 tablespoon tomato paste , and 6 cups beef broth . Scrape up any yummy browned bits. Return the beef. Add 1 bay leaf .
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 2.5- 3 hours . You want super tender beef. That is a slow cooked beef recipe right there.
7. Stir in 1.5 lbs cubed potatoes (optional) during the last 30- 45 minutes . Cook until tender.
8. Remove bay leaf. Season to taste. Serve with sour cream and parsley! Enjoy quick budget friendly dinners .

Pro Tips

Don't be shy with the paprika. It's what makes this Dutch oven goulash sing. Also, low and slow is the name of the game. It lets the flavors meld into perfection.

Common Mistake: Burning the paprika. It'll turn bitter. Keep stirring!

Goulash is even better the next day! Make a big batch for leftovers, and bam Easy Cheap Meals For Large Families

Honestly, this Beef goulash recipe is so worth the wait. It's like a hug in a bowl, pure Hungarian cuisine .

Recipe Notes for Your Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Right then, let's talk notes! This Beef goulash recipe isn't just chucking stuff in a pot. It's about the details.

It's about making it sing. And I am pretty sure that is among the Best Rated Dinner Recipes

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Feast!

Okay, so your goulash traditional is done. Now, how do you serve this bad boy? Presentation matters. A big, rustic bowl is always good.

Dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle of fresh parsley. Boom!

Want to go full Hungarian? Serve with Spaetzle! That's those little German egg noodles. Some crusty bread is essential for soaking up that delicious sauce.

Oh, and a side of pickled cucumbers? Perfection! A dry red wine will definitely complete your evening.

Storage Tips: Making It Last

Honestly, this Hearty beef stew is often even better the next day. Flavors get all cozy together.

• Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer bags or containers. It'll keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. You might need to add a splash of beef broth if it's too thick. Make sure it's piping hot before serving. The Dutch oven goulash will deliver the best flavour, no doubt!

Variations: Mix It Up!

Feel free to have fun with it. If you want to have Easy Cheap Meals For Large Families this is a good recipe to start!

• Dietary Adaptation: Need a vegetarian version? Swap the beef for mushrooms, eggplant, and lentils. Use vegetable broth. Boom!
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of canned. In the winter, add some root vegetables like parsnips or carrots for extra heartiness. This will make your Paprika stew recipe even more amazing.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

So, this is a hearty dish. No denying it. Roughly, you're looking at 450-550 calories per serving. Loads of protein.

Some fat. Not loads of fiber. This is what makes this Slow cooked beef recipe great!

It's packed with nutrients from the beef, veggies, and broth. The Authentic Hungarian recipe is also rich in vitamin C. This recipe is great for families searching Quick Budget Friendly Dinners.

There you have it. Notes to get you started. Don't be afraid to tweak it. Make it your own. Enjoy your Hungarian cuisine !.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best cut of beef to use for traditional goulash?

Beef chuck is ideal for traditional goulash. It has a good amount of marbling, which renders down during the long cooking time, resulting in tender, flavorful beef. Just be sure to trim off any large chunks of excess fat before you start we want it hearty, not artery clogging!

Can I make goulash traditional in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker, sear the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. In an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the initial steps, then pressure cook on high for 45 minutes followed by a natural pressure release of 15 minutes, then a quick release of any remaining pressure.

It's a bit like choosing between a Sunday roast in the oven or a quick microwave meal both get the job done, but the traditional way takes the biscuit!

How long does goulash last, and what's the best way to store it?

Goulash is often even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just thaw it completely before reheating.

Consider portioning it out before freezing makes for easy midweek meals, like a delicious ready meal but without the dodgy ingredients!

My goulash traditional tastes a bit bland, what can I do?

First, make sure you've seasoned it generously with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process these are flavour enhancers, not just optional extras! Also, a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar at the end can brighten the flavours.

If you're still not happy, a little extra paprika (sweet or smoked) will give it a boost. Just like adding that extra bit of salt when cooking pasta.

What are some good side dishes to serve with goulash?

Crusty bread is a must for mopping up all that delicious sauce! Spaetzle (German egg noodles) or mashed potatoes are also excellent choices. For a bit of brightness, pickled vegetables like cucumbers or sauerkraut offer a nice contrast. You could think of the bread as your sidekick, like Robin to Batman.