Rustic Joy of Cooking Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Hungarian goulash whispers tales of comfort nestled in a steaming pot of robust flavor.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty stew with passionate dedication.

Tender chunks of beef meld seamlessly with paprika’s warm embrace.

Rich, deeply layered spices dance through every savory spoonful.

Roots of this classic recipe stretch deep into Hungary’s culinary landscape.

Farmers and shepherds originally crafted this soul-warming meal to sustain long days of hard work.

Complex yet uncomplicated, this dish transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of taste that will transport you straight to the Hungarian countryside.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Bring Hungarian Goulash to Life

• Beef Stew Meat: Choose well-marbled, tender cuts that promise rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep flavor development.

• Onions, Garlic: Select firm, glossy onions with no soft spots, and fresh garlic cloves that release a sharp, pungent fragrance when crushed.

• Hungarian Sweet Paprika: Opt for authentic, vibrant red Hungarian paprika for genuine warmth and complex sweetness.
• Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality sea salt to elevate the overall taste profile.

• Tomato Paste, Water: Choose thick, deep-red tomato paste without added preservatives, and use clean, filtered water for pure flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Select a neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point to ensure smooth, even sautéing without bitter undertones.

Everything You Need to Cook Hungarian Goulash

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for sautéing onions and simmering the goulash to perfection.
• Cutting board: Space for chopping onions and preparing ingredients with ease.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precisely cubing beef and slicing onions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and paprika for balanced flavor.
• Can opener: Needed to access the tomato paste quickly.
• Measuring cup: Helps pour the right amount of water during cooking.

Instructions to Prepare Authentic Hungarian Goulash

• Kickstart The Flavor Journey

Grab a large pot and warm up some vegetable oil over medium heat. This is where the magic begins for an incredible Hungarian comfort dish.

• Dance With Onions And Spices

Toss sliced onions into the pot, letting them soften and turn golden. Sprinkle in Hungarian paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a fragrant base that tells a delicious story.

• Transform The Meat

Drop beef cubes into the pot, allowing them to brown and develop deep, rich flavors. Stir occasionally, letting each piece capture the essence of the spices.

• Build The Sauce Symphony

Pour in water and tomato paste, stirring to create a smooth, rich liquid. Add minced garlic for an extra flavor punch that will make taste buds dance.

• Slow Cook To Perfection

Lower the heat and let the goulash simmer gently. Cover the pot and allow the ingredients to meld together, creating a tender, mouthwatering stew that speaks of Hungarian tradition.

• Final Flavor Flourish

Taste and adjust the seasoning, ensuring every spoonful is a celebration of comfort and flavor. The beef should be so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

Serve steaming hot, accompanied by crusty bread or nestled over egg noodles, bringing a touch of Hungarian warmth to your dining table.

Flavor Tips for the Best Hungarian Goulash

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose chuck roast or shoulder cuts for maximum tenderness and rich flavor. Trim excess fat before cubing to ensure a lean, delicious result.
• Spice Swap Strategy: Experiment with smoked paprika for deeper complexity or add a pinch of caraway seeds for authentic Hungarian depth. Ground cayenne can introduce gentle heat for adventurous palates.
• Make-Ahead Mastery: Prepare goulash a day ahead to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Cool completely, refrigerate, and reheat gently for even more intense taste profiles.
• Vegetable Boost Technique: Enhance nutrition by adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. These additions create a heartier one-pot meal while maintaining traditional goulash essence.

How to Serve Hungarian Goulash at Its Best

• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Tear off chunks of warm, rustic bread to soak up the rich, savory sauce, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
• Pair with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Scoop the tender beef and sauce over smooth, buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal that warms the soul.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the deep, meaty flavors of the goulash.
• Complement with Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy side of pickled cucumbers or cabbage to provide a crisp, acidic contrast to the rich and hearty stew.

Keep and Reheat Hungarian Goulash Like a Pro

• Preserve Hungarian Goulash Goodness: Smart Storage Solutions
• Refrigerate Wisely: Cool the goulash completely before storing in airtight containers. Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping flavors locked in and ready for quick reheating.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Goulash freezes beautifully for 2-3 months, providing convenient meal prep for busy weeks.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slowly in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water to prevent drying, ensuring the meat stays tender and sauce remains rich.
• Portion Perfect Meal Prep: Divide goulash into individual serving containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners. Label with date and contents to track freshness and enjoy convenient homemade meals anytime.

Hearty Hungarian Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian goulash showcases rich beef stew traditions from Central Europe. Slow-simmered meat, paprika-infused broth, and tender vegetables invite you to savor authentic culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) beef stew meat, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 3 onions, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps Hungarian sweet paprika
• 3 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) vegetable oil
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) water
• 1 (6 oz) (170 g) can tomato paste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously cube beef into uniform 1.5-inch pieces and slice onions into delicate rings, ensuring precise preparation for optimal cooking.
2. Sauté Foundation: Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium flame until it radiates a golden sheen, then introduce onions and coax them to a translucent, silky texture through gentle stirring.
3. Aromatic Layering: Dust the softened onions with Hungarian sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper, creating a vibrant spice landscape. Toast the seasonings briefly to unlock their deep, complex flavors.
4. Meat Transformation: Nestle beef cubes into the seasoned onion base, allowing each piece to develop a rich, caramelized crust through strategic turning and even heat exposure.
5. Liquid Integration: Stream water into the pot, whisk tomato paste until seamlessly incorporated, and fold in minced garlic to construct a robust flavor foundation.
6. Slow Alchemy: Initiate a momentary boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow ingredients to harmonize, occasionally stirring and monitoring liquid levels to prevent scorching.
7. Culinary Finale: After 1.5-2 hours, when beef surrenders to fork-tender perfection and sauce achieves a luxurious consistency, perform a final flavor calibration with a nuanced salt adjustment.

Notes

• Meat Precision Matters: Cut beef into uniform 1½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
• Paprika Power: Use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika for a genuine, rich flavor that defines the traditional goulash taste profile.
• Liquid Level Check: Monitor cooking liquid during simmering to prevent burning and maintain a perfect sauce consistency.
• Low and Slow Magic: Maintain a gentle simmer to transform tough beef cuts into meltingly tender meat, developing deep, complex flavors over time.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg