Hungarian Goulash with Noodles

Featured in: Warm Hearth-Style Suppers

This Hungarian stew features tender cubes of beef slowly simmered with sweet and smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and fresh vegetables to develop rich, deep flavors. The sauce thickens beautifully over low heat, creating a savory base that's comfortably rustic. Served over wide egg noodles tossed with butter, the dish is garnished with parsley and optional sour cream to add a creamy contrast. Ideal for a hearty dinner, this dish balances warmth and spice perfectly, inviting comfort in every bite.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:08:00 GMT
Steaming Hungarian Goulash served over fluffy egg noodles, a rustic, savory stew delight. Save
Steaming Hungarian Goulash served over fluffy egg noodles, a rustic, savory stew delight. | dewhearth.com

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

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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.
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
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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

Fork-tender beef in rich paprika sauce: a visual of this classic Hungarian Goulash. Save
Fork-tender beef in rich paprika sauce: a visual of this classic Hungarian Goulash. | dewhearth.com
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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.

Hungarian Goulash with Noodles

Hearty beef stew with sweet paprika and herbs, served atop buttery egg noodles for a warming meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Bake Time
120 minutes
Time Needed
140 minutes
Created by Claire Martin

Recipe Category Warm Hearth-Style Suppers

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Hungarian

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Goulash

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
03 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, lightly crushed
08 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
09 1 tablespoon tomato paste
10 1 green bell pepper, diced
11 2 medium tomatoes, diced or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
12 4 cups beef broth
13 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
14 ½ teaspoon black pepper
15 1 bay leaf

For Serving

01 12 ounces wide egg noodles
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
03 Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
04 Sour cream (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 01

Brown the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown beef cubes on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 02

Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pot, cook onions over medium heat until golden and very soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.

Step 03

Toast spices: Reduce heat to low. Add sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and dried marjoram. Stir constantly for 1 minute to release aromas without burning.

Step 04

Add tomato and vegetables: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced green bell pepper and tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes more.

Step 05

Combine beef and broth: Return browned beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Pour in beef broth, add salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Simmer until tender: Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 07

Prepare egg noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with unsalted butter if desired.

Step 08

Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf from goulash. Serve hot over egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley and optionally a dollop of sour cream.

Tools Needed

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pasta pot and colander

Allergy Details

Review each item for allergens and see a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains egg (in noodles) and dairy if butter or sour cream is used
  • May contain gluten from egg noodles; substitute gluten-free noodles if necessary

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

Details are informational only and shouldn't replace health advice.
  • Energy: 670
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 46 g