Print

Hearty Authentic Hungarian Goulash Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Food

authentic Hungarian goulash recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich and comforting Hungarian goulash featuring tender beef simmered slowly with smoky paprika, onions, and vegetables. Perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth (950 ml)
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut the beef chuck roast into roughly 1-inch cubes. Peel and finely chop the onions, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and cube the potatoes if using. This should take about 15 minutes.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or lard over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the onions and sauté gently for 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent but not browned.
  3. Remove the pot from heat briefly and stir in 3 tablespoons sweet paprika and 1 tablespoon smoked paprika. Stir quickly to coat the onions to prevent burning.
  4. Return the pot to medium-high heat and add the cubed beef. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during this step.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  6. Pour in 4 cups (950 ml) of beef broth and add the sliced carrots and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  7. Cover partially with a lid and let simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add potatoes about 30 minutes before the end of cooking if using.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until thickened to a stew-like consistency.
  9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Do not add paprika directly to hot oil to avoid bitterness; add it off the heat to toasted onions. Brown beef in batches to avoid steaming. Skim foam during simmering for clearer broth. For thicker sauce, add a slurry of flour or cornstarch at the end. The recipe can be adapted for slow cooker or vegetarian versions.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/hearty-authentic-hungarian-goulash-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/