Hearty Hungarian Goulash

Alright, gather 'round, my foodie friends! ever crave something that hugs you from the inside out? have you ever thought to make your very own hungarian goulash recipe at home? it is honestly one of the most heartwarming dishes ever.

A Taste of Hungary: Quick Goulash Hook

This ain't your average stew, loves. it's proper soul food. my hungarian goulash recipe is packed with tender beef, rich paprika flavour, and a whole lotta love.

Think of this hearty dish as a culinary hug. it's perfect for those evenings when you need something comforting.

What's the Story Behind It?

Goulash , or gulyás as the cool kids say, is basically hungary's national dish. it started way back with the herdsmen cooking up simple stews.

It is real german food authentic and this simple dish turned into what we know today. this version, though, is dead easy to make.

It's a beef goulash that's fit for a king, but you don't need a crown to make it. it takes about 3 hours, but most of that is just letting it simmer away.

This recipe makes enough for 6-8 people. so, you'll have leftovers.

Why This Recipe Rocks?

This recipe is special because it's not just tasty, it's good for you too! beef is packed with protein and iron.

It is proper good fuel for your body. it's the perfect dish for a sunday dinner, a cosy get-together, or honestly, any day you fancy some serious comfort.

This will quickly turn into one of your staple goulash recipes . i promise.

Let's Talk Ingredients: What You'll Need

I honestly like to think of each ingredient like a brushstroke to build the perfect masterpiece. now, i get it.

You might think "oh my gosh" there is too much involved here. but trust me, it is really simple and very easy to find the best german food .

To start, grab 3 lbs of cubed beef chuck roast and enough olive oil. this will be the base for your hearty stew! then we'll move onto some good aromatics.

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks and talk about what you actually need to make this cracking hungarian goulash recipe .

Honestly, it’s not rocket science, even if it tastes like a michelin star meal! you know?

Ingredients & Equipment: Getting Started

Think of this as your shopping list and kit check before the big game. Nail this, and you're halfway there.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

• Beef Chuck Roast: A hefty 3 lbs (1.36 kg), cubed into roughly 1 inch pieces.
  • Quality Check: Look for well marbled beef that's where the flavour's at. Think of it like picking a good bit of bacon, you know?
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) - for searing the beef.
• Yellow Onions: 2 large (about 1 lb/450g), finely chopped.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. The more the merrier, if you ask me!
• Sweet Paprika: A generous 3 tablespoons (45 ml). Hungarian, if you can find it. Trust me, makes a difference.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) - for that smoky depth.
• Caraway Seeds: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) - adds a lovely earthy note.
• Marjoram: 1 teaspoon (5 ml), dried.
• Beef Broth: A good 6 cups (1.4 liters). Low sodium is better, so you can control the salt.
• Crushed Tomatoes: One 14.5 oz (411g) can.
• Red Bell Pepper and Green Bell Pepper: 1 large of each, chopped. Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Potatoes: 1.5 lbs (680g), peeled and cubed. Adds body to the dish.
• Bay Leaves: 2 - don't forget to take them out before serving!

This beef goulash recipe is proper comfort food. it is a real german food authentic recipe. i made something similar once, but i messed up the spices.

I was trying a version of german goulash . my husband did not like it at all! the key to a good goulash recipe is definitely the spices.

There are so many goulash recipes to choose from.

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up

• Paprika Power: Sweet, smoked, and maybe a pinch of hot if you're feeling brave.
• Caraway & Marjoram: This combo is what gives the goulash its signature flavour.
• Flavor Enhancers: A splash of red wine vinegar at the end brightens everything up.
• Quick Swap: No marjoram? Try oregano. Close enough, right?

Equipment Needed: What You’ll Use

• Large Dutch Oven: Essential for even cooking.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Obvious, innit?
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy.
• Household Hack: Don't have a Dutch oven? A heavy bottomed pot will do in a pinch.
• This Beef Stew is one of the Beef Recipes Easy to make
• Why don't you try to make it with Seitan for a vegetarian option?

Right, that should cover it. now, let's get cooking! the hardest part is waiting for it to simmer. but honestly, the wait is so worth it for this german food .

It is a great goulash recipes . honestly, the secret is in the paprika.

Right, let's get stuck in! this hungarian goulash recipe is proper comfort food. my nan used to make a banging version, and honestly, nothing beats it on a cold evening.

It's proper hearty, the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs. you know?

Let's Get Prepped, Shall We?

Alright, before we even think about switching on the hob, a bit of mise en place is key. basically, get everything chopped and measured out.

Trust me, it saves a right faff later.

• Essential Mise en Place : Get your beef cubed, onions chopped, garlic minced, spuds peeled and diced. Have all your spices measured out too.
• Time Saving Tips : Chop your onions and peppers first. Store them in a bowl. Same with the garlic. Then tackle the beef.
• Safety First : Mind your fingers when chopping! A sharp knife is safer than a dull one, believe it or not.

Goulash, step-by-step

Okay, here's where the magic happens. This beef goulash is a bit of a labour of love, but totally worth it.

1. Sear That Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven on medium high. Brown the beef in batches. Don't overcrowd! Set aside. Visual Cue: Deep brown goodness.
2. Sauté the Onions & Garlic: Chuck in the onions and cook for 5- 7 minutes 'til softened. Add garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Spice Time! Stir in 3 tablespoons sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, 1 teaspoon marjoram. Cook for 1 minute , stirring. The aroma is amazing!
4. Deglaze & Combine: Pour in a bit of beef broth to scrape up all the tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the beef.
5. Simmer, Simmer: Add remaining 6 cups beef broth, 1 can crushed tomatoes, and 2 bay leaves. Simmer covered on low for 2-2. 5 hours . Beef should be super tender.
6. Veggie Time: Stir in chopped bell peppers and cubed potatoes. Simmer another 30- 45 minutes , covered, until potatoes are tender.
7. Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with sour cream and parsley if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Want to take your goulash recipes game to the next level? I've learned a few things over the years.

• Paprika is King: high-quality Hungarian paprika makes a world of difference. Seriously! It's what gives the Goulash its distinctive flavour.
• Low and Slow : The longer it simmers, the better. Proper slow cooking. Trust me. It is similar to German Food and German Goulash .
• Avoid Overcrowding : Don't chuck all the beef in at once when searing. Do it in batches. Otherwise, it will steam and not brown properly. If you are using Seitan follow the same steps.

Honestly? this beef stew recipe is a game changer. you'll feel like a proper chef! german food authentic can not compare to this one! beef recipes easy ? absolutely, even i can't mess it up.

Right then, let's chat about making this Hungarian Goulash recipe absolutely smashing!

Recipe Notes: Goulash, Goulash, Glorious Goulash!

Honestly, this beef goulash is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience! so before you dive in, let's cover a few bits and bobs to make sure it goes off without a hitch.

I have to be honest, i am not an expert in german food but i know some variations.

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation, the Works!

Okay, so you've slaved away making this gorgeous stew. presentation matters! ladle your hungarian goulash into bowls. swirl a dollop of sour cream on top it's not just for looks, it adds a lovely tang! sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Boom! restaurant quality!

Fancy a bit of side action? some crusty bread for dunking is a must, obviously. you could even go full-on german food authentic style and serve it with spaetzle (those little german dumplings).

Ooh, and a crisp, dry white wine? chef's kiss!

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Tasty

Right, leftovers. if you’re lucky enough to have any of this beef stew left (unlikely!), pop it in an airtight container.

It'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. the flavours actually get better overnight bonus!

Freezing? absolutely! let it cool completely first. then portion it into freezer safe containers. it’ll keep for up to 3 months.

When you fancy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat it on the hob until piping hot.

Microwave works in a pinch, but the texture might suffer a tad.

Variations: Get Creative!

Want to spice things up? Go wild!

Dietary adaptations? if you're veggie, ditch the beef and use hearty mushrooms like portobello. i am not veggie, but i've had seitan and it's pretty good! use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Still tasty!

Seasonal swaps? In autumn, chuck in some chunks of butternut squash. Adds a lovely sweetness. In summer, a handful of chopped tomatoes brightens it up. Goulash Recipes are super versatile.

Nutrition Basics: A Wholesome Hug in a Bowl

This hungarian goulash recipe is packed with protein from the beef. it has carbs from the potatoes, and vitamins and minerals from the veggies.

Honestly, this is one of the beef recipes easy to feed your family! one serving is roughly 450 calories. it's hearty, filling and good for your soul.

Just watch the salt if you're being mindful.

So there you have it! All you need to become a Goulash Guru! Give it a go you won't regret it! You know what? Even if it isn't perfect on your first try, it'll still taste amazing! Happy cooking!