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Traditional Hungarian Goulash

Traditional Hungarian Goulash: Comfort in Every Hearty Bite

Traditional Hungarian Goulash is a beloved stew that wraps you in warmth with each hearty spoonful, bringing together tender beef, vibrant sweet paprika, and aromatic herbs.
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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 Stew
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Cooking fat for searing beef.
  • 2.5 pounds Stewing Beef Cubed, chuck roast or beef brisket works as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor; adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to preference.
  • 2 large Onions Chopped, essential for base flavor.
  • 5 cloves Garlic Minced, boosts aroma and flavor.
  • 3 tablespoons Sweet Hungarian Paprika Key for authentic taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Caraway Seeds Contributes a warm, earthy flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Adds a lovely herbaceous note.
  • 3 Bay Leaves Infuses flavor; remove before serving.
  • 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar Balances acidity.
  • 0.5 cup Tomato Sauce Adds acidity and depth.
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar Deepens flavor, can be omitted.
  • 4 cups Beef Broth No-salt-added, can substitute with vegetable broth.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Sear the beef by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add cubed beef and season with salt and black pepper, browning for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  2. Sauté the onions in the same pot for 5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add sweet Hungarian paprika, ground caraway seeds, dried oregano, and brown sugar. Stir for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Mix in tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, then gradually pour in beef broth to deglaze the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and reintroduce the beef.
  5. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and let simmer for 2 hours.
  6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, remove bay leaves, and prepare for serving.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot, alongside egg noodles or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 40gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg

Notes

This stew freezes well, up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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