Print

Hearty Hungarian Goulash Recipe Easy Paprika Beef Stew to Try Today

hearty hungarian goulash - featured image

A rich and comforting Hungarian goulash featuring tender beef simmered in a smoky paprika sauce with slow-cooked vegetables. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth or stock
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or lard in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add chopped onions and cook slowly until translucent and golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in sweet and smoked paprika along with tomato paste, coating the onions and garlic well.
  5. Return the seared beef to the pot and stir to combine.
  6. Pour in 4 cups beef broth. Add diced bell pepper, carrots, optional potato, and caraway seeds if using. Stir gently.
  7. Bring stew to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook over low heat for 1 to 1½ hours until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens, stirring every 15-20 minutes.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For thicker stew, mash some potato chunks or stir in a flour slurry and simmer 5 more minutes.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optionally a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

Add paprika off the heat to prevent bitterness. Brown beef in batches to avoid steaming. Slow simmer for tender beef. Use homemade or low-sodium broth for best flavor. For thicker stew, use a flour slurry or mash potatoes. Make ahead for deeper flavor. Substitute vegetables seasonally or for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hungarian goulash, paprika beef stew, beef stew, paprika recipe, comfort food, slow-cooked beef, easy goulash