Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Fancy a taste of Hungary? This Hungarian Goulash Recipe is a proper beef stew, slow-cooked with paprika & spices. An easy but filling dinner! Get the recipe now. ... Heritage Kitchen
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a taste of hungary without the airfare? let's talk about a cracking hungarian goulash recipe . this is proper comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening.
It's all about rich flavours and tender beef, simmered low and slow. honestly, who doesn't love a good stew?
Digging into the Stew Pot: What’s Goulash All About?
This authentic goulash recipe isn't just a stew, it's a hug in a bowl! originating from hungary, it was traditionally cooked by shepherds.
It is traditional hungarian cuisine recipe a way to use tough cuts of meat. it is a medium difficulty recipe.
Prep takes around 25 minutes, and cooking time about 2.5 to 3 hours. this recipe yields 6-8 servings – perfect for family or batch cooking!
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Goulash
One of the top benefits is how filling it is! this easy but filling dinners recipe is packed with protein and hearty vegetables.
Also best homemade dinner recipes are generally good for your body. the paprika beef stew is perfect for a sunday lunch with the family.
This family dinner recipes casserole is special because of its depth of flavour. each bite is a taste of hungarian history.
Now, let's talk ingredients. Get ready to raid your spice rack.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Goulash Arsenal
Alright, let's talk clobber for this hungarian goulash recipe . no need for fancy stuff. just the basics to rustle up a truly brilliant paprika beef stew .
This is the best homemade dinner recipes you can make, that's for sure.
Main Ingredients: Quality Counts, Mate!
Here's what you'll need. Honestly, quality makes a huge difference.
- Beef: 2 lbs ( 900g ) beef chuck. Go for well-marbled beef. That's your key.
- Olive Oil or Beef Tallow: 2 tbsp.
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped. About 1 1/2 cups.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Sweet Paprika: 2 tbsp. Get the good stuff, not the bland supermarket kind. It's the heart of this authentic goulash recipe !
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tbsp. Optional, but blimey, it adds some depth!
- Caraway Seeds: 1 tsp, crushed.
- Marjoram: 1/2 tsp, dried.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp, or to taste.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp.
- Beef Broth or Stock: 6 cups ( 1.4 Litres ).
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 400g ) can.
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 yellow, chopped (about 1 cup each).
- Carrots: 2 medium, chopped (about 1 cup).
- Parsnips: 2 medium, chopped (about 1 cup).
- Bay Leaves: 2.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tbsp, or balsamic.
- Parsley or Sour Cream: For garnish.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret's in the Spice!
Paprika, obviously, is king . sweet paprika is the base. smoked paprika gives it a smoky edge. the combination is awesome.
Caraway and marjoram add warmth. cayenne brings the heat. you can use a slow cooker goulash recipe but be mindful of the spices ratios.
If you don't have caraway, a pinch of fennel seeds will do. if you prefer a spicier hungarian beef stew recipe , chuck in some chilli flakes.
These classic weeknight dinners are the best.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. This is essential!
- Sharp knife and cutting board.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Garlic press (optional).
Don't have a dutch oven? a big stockpot will work. just make sure it has a lid. this is one of these easy but filling dinners , that can even become one of the family dinner recipes casserole , the options are endless.
Now that you know the ingredients, let's get cooking! this is the traditional hungarian cuisine recipe , and it's awesome.

Let’s Get Started with Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Fancy a comforting stew that's proper lush? my hungarian goulash recipe is just the ticket. this isn't just any stew; it's a hug in a bowl.
Forget beans on toast, tonight we’re having best homemade dinner recipes .
Prep work is key to Easy But Filling Dinners . Trust me, it makes life so much easier. Think of it as your cooking warm-up.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential Mise en Place: Dice your 2 lbs of beef chuck, chop 1 large onion, mince 2 cloves of garlic, and measure out your spices. This keeps you organized.
- Time-Saving Tips: Chop all your veggies at once. Honestly, it saves loads of time. Think of it like a cooking assembly line.
- Safety First! Remember to use a sharp knife on a stable surface. No one wants a trip to A&E.
From Hob to Heaven: Step-by-Step Goodness
This Paprika beef stew it's much more than a dish, it's a celebration of heritage and hearty flavors.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in your Dutch oven. Brown the beef in batches. Don't overcrowd! . You want a good sear, not steamed beef.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion and cook until soft (5- 7 minutes) . Chuck in the garlic and cook for another minute. Your kitchen should be smelling divine.
- Bloom the Spices: Stir in 2 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp caraway seeds, 1/2 tsp marjoram, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute , stirring like mad.
- Deglaze the Pot: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, cook for 1 minute then deglaze with a splash of beef broth. Scrape up those tasty browned bits!
- Combine and Conquer: Return the beef. Add 6 cups of beef broth, 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped), 2 carrots and 2 parsnips (chopped) and 2 bay leaves.
- Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover and cook for 2.5- 3 hours . The beef should be fall-apart tender. It's the slow cooker method for this Authentic goulash recipe .
- Adjust to Taste: Remove the bay leaves. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar. Give it a taste and tweak as needed.
- Serve with Love: Garnish with parsley or sour cream (optional). Serve piping hot. Hello, Family Dinner Recipes Casserole time!
Pro Tips for a Proper Goulash
- Paprika is King: Don't skimp on the paprika. Use good quality stuff. It makes a world of difference!
- Don't Rush: The long, slow cooking is crucial . That's what makes the beef tender and the flavors meld.
- Make Ahead: This Hearty winter stew recipe tastes even better the next day! Make it a day ahead and let the flavors develop. The Traditional Hungarian cuisine recipe is even better with time.
Recipe Notes: Bits and Bobs to Get it Just Right
Alright, so you're about to tackle this hungarian goulash recipe ? excellent choice! it's one of those easy but filling dinners that's guaranteed to warm you right up.
But before you get started, let's have a quick natter about a few things to keep in mind. honestly, these little tips can make all the difference!
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Like a Pro
Right, let's talk plating. this paprika beef stew is proper hearty, so you don't need much faff. serve it in a deep bowl.
Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. for sides, think buttered egg noodles, or some crusty bread for dipping in the rich gravy.
You know? a good, cold pint or a crisp white wine goes down a treat with this classic weeknight dinner too! i’m sure your family will agree it is one of the best homemade dinner recipes .
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Goulash Fresh as a Daisy
So, you've made a big batch of this authentic goulash recipe . now what? leftovers will keep happily in the fridge for up to three days.
Just make sure it's in an airtight container. fancy freezing it? no problem! portion it out into freezer bags or containers, and it'll be good for up to three months.
When you're ready to reheat, just defrost it overnight in the fridge and then gently warm it through on the hob or in the microwave.
Easy peasy, right?
Variations: Making It Your Own
This hungarian beef stew recipe is a fantastic base. want to mix it up a bit? no worries! for a spicier kick, add a pinch of chilli flakes or some cayenne pepper.
If you're avoiding gluten, serve it with rice or mashed potatoes instead of noodles.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Right, let's talk about the good stuff. this traditional hungarian cuisine recipe is packed with protein from the beef and vitamins from the veggies.
It’s one of those hearty winter stew recipes which are really perfect and help you keep warm. keep in mind that it can be high in sodium.
If you're watching your salt intake, use low-sodium beef broth. it’s all about balance, innit?
Honestly, this slow cooker goulash recipe is a winner. Don't be scared to have a go and make it your own! The main thing is to enjoy the process. Happy cooking, love!

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to a truly authentic Hungarian Goulash recipe?
The key to a cracking Hungarian Goulash recipe lies in using high-quality sweet paprika and allowing for a long, slow simmer. Don't skimp on the paprika – it's the heart and soul of the dish! The extended cooking time is crucial for tenderising the beef and allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully. Think of it as a proper "slow and low" BBQ, but in a pot.
Can I make this Hungarian Goulash recipe in a slow cooker, and how would I adjust the timings?
Absolutely! A slow cooker is perfect for this. After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Just like waiting for the Queen's Speech on Christmas, you need patience!
What if I don't have all the vegetables listed in this Hungarian Goulash recipe – can I substitute them?
Of course, a bit of flexibility is fine! If you're missing bell peppers, just add more carrots or parsnips. Potatoes also work well. Remember, it's a stew, not rocket science! Just make sure you've got a good mix of root vegetables and something that adds a bit of sweetness.
How long does Hungarian Goulash last, and what's the best way to store it?
Hungarian Goulash is even better the next day, so making it ahead is a great idea! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just like your favorite Doctor Who episode, it only gets better with time.
Is this Hungarian Goulash recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet, and what should I watch out for?
Good question! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the ingredients in your beef broth or stock to ensure they don't contain any hidden gluten. Serve it with gluten-free dumplings or crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s all about checking those labels, innit?
I want to make my Hungarian Goulash recipe extra special. Any tips for elevating the flavour?
A splash of dry red wine during the sautéing stage can add a depth of flavour. Also, consider adding a bay leaf or two during simmering, remembering to remove them before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors. This is how you go from beans on toast to MasterChef!