Classic Beef Goulash
Beef goulash is the kind of meal that brings instant comfort. With tender beef, rich paprika, and a slow-simmered sauce, every bite warms you from the inside out.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs stewing beef cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 tsp caraway seeds optional
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Sour cream for serving
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef in batches so it sears instead of steams. Set aside once browned.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add onions and cook until golden and soft. Add garlic and stir for one more minute.
- Bloom the Paprika: Stir in the paprika and caraway seeds. Let them toast slightly in the heat for 30 seconds.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return beef to the pot. Add tomato paste, red bell pepper, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Use sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor. Add a splash of vinegar at the end to brighten the dish. This stew is even better the next day and freezes well.