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Classic Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe – Authentic Comfort Food Stew

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Classic Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe – Authentic Comfort Food Stew

If you're craving a rich, slow-simmered comfort meal, this classic Hungarian beef goulash recipe delivers deep paprika flavor, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and a hearty broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This traditional one-pot dish transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable, cozy dinner perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Hungarian Beef Goulash

• Authentic Flavor: Sweet Hungarian paprika creates bold, deep flavor.
• Fork-Tender Beef: Slow cooking makes chuck roast incredibly soft.
• One-Pot Meal: Simple process with minimal cleanup.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients for Classic Beef Goulash

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
2.5 lbs (1.1 kg)	Beef Chuck	Cut into 1.5-inch cubes, patted dry
2 tbsp	Vegetable Oil or Lard	For searing
2 large	Yellow Onions	Finely chopped
4–5 cloves	Garlic	Minced
3–4 tbsp	Sweet Hungarian Paprika	Use high quality
1/2 tsp	Hot Paprika (optional)	Add for spice
1 tsp	Caraway Seeds	Crushed
1/2 tsp	Dried Marjoram	Enhances flavor
1 cup	Dry Red Wine	Optional, adds depth
2 cups	Beef Broth	Low sodium preferred
1 can (14.5 oz)	Diced Tomatoes	Undrained
1 large	Bell Pepper	Diced
2–3	Carrots	Sliced
2–3	Potatoes (optional)	Cubed
To taste	Salt & Black Pepper	Season generously
Optional	Sour Cream & Fresh Parsley	For garnish

How to Make Authentic Hungarian Goulash

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Meat: Heat oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Brown beef in batches until deeply caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Onions: Cook chopped onions until soft and translucent, scraping up browned bits.
4. Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in garlic, paprika, caraway, and marjoram. Cook briefly until fragrant.
5. Deglaze: Add red wine and simmer 2–3 minutes to intensify flavor.
6. Simmer: Return beef to pot. Add broth and tomatoes. Cover and cook on low for 1.5–2 hours until fork-tender.
7. Add Vegetables: Stir in bell pepper, carrots, and potatoes. Simmer 30–45 minutes more.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and correct salt and pepper. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with sour cream and parsley.

Serving Suggestions

• Egg noodles or traditional spätzle
• Mashed or boiled potatoes
• Crusty artisan bread
• Steamed rice
• Dill pickles or pickled cabbage

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop, adding broth if needed.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Goulash: Use chicken thighs for quicker cooking.
• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace beef with mushrooms and chickpeas.
• Spicy Version: Increase hot paprika or add cayenne.

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