Save A comforting, classic Hungarian stew featuring tender beef and sweet paprika, simmered to perfection and served over buttery egg noodles for a rustic, heartwarming dinner.
I first served this Hungarian Goulash to my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became a favorite for its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil:
- 2 pounds beef chuck: cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 large yellow onions: finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic: minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika:
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds: lightly crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram:
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste:
- 1 green bell pepper: diced
- 2 medium tomatoes: diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes drained)
- 4 cups beef broth:
- 1 teaspoon salt: plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper:
- 1 bay leaf:
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: optional
- Chopped fresh parsley: for garnish
- Sour cream: optional for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat the oil in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In the same pot add onions and sauté until golden and very soft about 8 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 3:
- Reduce heat to low. Add both paprikas caraway seeds and marjoram. Stir constantly for 1 minute ensuring the spices do not burn.
- Step 4:
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute then stir in bell pepper and tomatoes cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Return the browned beef and any juices to the pot. Pour in beef broth add salt pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6:
- Cover and cook on low heat for 1½ 2 hours stirring occasionally until the beef is fork tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 7:
- Meanwhile cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter if using.
- Step 8:
- Remove bay leaf from the goulash. Serve the goulash hot over a bed of egg noodles garnished with parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Save This dish brings my whole family together, evoking stories and laughter with every hearty bite.
Required Tools
Large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven Wooden spoon Chefs knife Cutting board Pasta pot and colander
Allergen Information
Contains Egg (in egg noodles) Dairy (if butter or sour cream is used) May contain gluten (in egg noodles) use gluten free noodles if required Always check product labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 670 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 58 g Protein 46 g
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Serve this goulash with crusty bread for the ultimate comforting meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef works best?
Beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes is ideal for slow simmering, producing tender, flavorful meat.
- → Can I use different noodles?
Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can substitute with other broad pasta or even spaetzle for similar results.
- → How do the spices affect the flavor?
Sweet paprika adds warmth and color while smoked paprika and caraway seeds introduce depth and a subtle earthiness.
- → Is sour cream necessary for serving?
Sour cream adds a creamy, tangy finish that balances the spices, but it can be omitted if preferred.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the stew tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Reheat gently before serving over noodles.