Classic Hungarian Goulash Recipe
Hungarian Goulash is a comforting and flavorful dish rooted in centuries of Hungarian tradition. This recipe features tender beef, hearty vegetables, and the smoky, sweet flavor of Hungarian paprika.Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy evening, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to prepare and even better when reheated.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
- 2 large onions finely diced
- 2 pounds 900 g beef chuck or brisket cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
- 4 cups 1 liter beef broth or water
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes diced (or 2 tablespoons tomato paste as an alternative)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Optional:
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Dice onions, cube beef, and peel and chop potatoes and carrots.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides.
Step 3: Add the Paprika and Broth
- Sprinkle in paprika and quickly stir to coat the meat. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add a splash of broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits.
Step 4: Simmer and Add Vegetables
- Pour in the remaining broth, bring to a boil, and lower the heat to simmer.
- Add potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender
- Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the beef and vegetables are tender, ladle the goulash into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread or egg noodles.