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Traditional Hungarian Goulash

Soul-Warming Traditional Hungarian Goulash Your Family Will Love

Traditional Hungarian Goulash is a rustic dish that transforms humble ingredients into a deeply flavorful and comforting stew, perfect for the whole family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Hungarian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Ideal for sautéing; substitute with rendered pork fat for a traditional touch.
  • 2 pounds Stewing Beef Use chuck roast or brisket for optimal tenderness.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to personal taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to personal taste.
  • 1 large Onion Opt for yellow or white onions for best results.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced garlic for intensifying flavor.
For the Flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Sweet Hungarian Paprika A key spice for authentic taste; avoid smoked paprika.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Caraway Seeds Adds an earthy note; can be omitted.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Enhances the herbaceous balance.
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves Infuse flavor during cooking; remove before serving.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Balances the stew's acidity.
For the Liquid
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Fresh tomatoes can also be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar Red wine vinegar can be substituted.
  • 4 cups No-Salt-Added Beef Broth Homemade broth elevates richness.
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Optional but visually appealing.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Sear the beef in a large Dutch oven with olive oil over medium-high heat until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the same pot until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in paprika, caraway seeds, oregano, and brown sugar, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Return the beef to pot, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 2 hours.
  6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired, remove bay leaves, and serve.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with crusty bread or egg noodles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This goulash is perfect for meal prepping and freezes well. Adjust the thickness by simmering without a lid towards the end if necessary.

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