Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash is the ultimate comfort food – think tender, slow-cooked beef with soft veggies all in a savory paprika-laced broth that warms you to your toes. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for the holidays but is simple enough to make on a random weeknight. This goulash is all about taking humble ingredients and turning them into something magical. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less time doing dishes and more time enjoying something truly delicious. If you’ve been on the hunt for a dinner recipe that’s filling, flavorful, and totally stress-free, this is it!

Table of content

• About The Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Key Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
• Expert Tips for Success
• Variations and Customizations
• Nutritional Information
• Storage and Reheating Instructions
• Recipe Card
  • Recipe Preparation
  • Ingredients List
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Cooking notes
  • Nutritional Information
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Comments & Reviews
• Social Sharing Options

About The Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Hungarian Goulash is both a recipe and a tradition that’s been warming hearts and bellies for centuries. Originating in Hungary (of course), it was said to have been a staple for Hungarian shepherds who slow-cooked meat and vegetables into hearty stews way back in the day. Fast forward to now, and it’s still a popular dish known around the world. What makes this recipe stand out? Honestly, it’s all about the paprika. A hefty scoop of smoky, sweet, or hot Hungarian paprika (not the bland stuff that sits in your spice rack for years!) gives goulash its signature flavor.
If you’ve never made goulash before, don’t sweat it. This recipe keeps it simple while holding onto authenticity. The rich tomato base and soft potatoes soak up all that meaty, spiced goodness. And while it tastes like the kind of dish that simmers all day, it’s surprisingly easy to throw together on a busy evening. Let’s just say your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Hungarian comfort food
• Made with simple, everyday ingredients
• Rich, savory flavor from Hungarian paprika
• Tender, slow-cooked beef
• Pairs with carbs like dumplings, potatoes, or noodles
• Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings
• One-pot recipe with fewer dishes to clean!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Beef Chuck: Go for a cut with marbling for super tender goulash. Can’t find it? Try stew meat.
• Onions: Use yellow onions for a sweet and mild flavor.
• Potatoes: Common Yukon Gold or Russet work perfectly.
• Carrots: These add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory spices.
• Hungarian Paprika: This is the key! Sweet paprika works, but smoked or hot paprika can add more depth.
• Beef Broth: Homemade or a high-quality store-bought broth adds a base of deep flavor.
• Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes or fresh, peeled tomatoes work best.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves or garlic powder for convenience.

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

• Heat oil in a large pot and sear chunks of beef until browned. Transfer them to a plate.
• In the same pot, sauté onions until they’re golden and soft. Toss in garlic for an extra minute.
• Add carrots, potatoes, and your secret weapon: plenty of Hungarian paprika. Stir everything up for full flavor coverage.
• Add back the beef along with beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring it to a gentle boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer for about 1.5–2 hours. Stir occasionally!
• Once the beef is fork-tender and the broth has thickened slightly, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
• Ladle your goulash into bowls and serve over noodles, or enjoy on its own with fresh crusty bread.

Expert Tips for Success

Use authentic Hungarian paprika for best flavor!
For thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered the last 30 minutes.
Cut veggies into even pieces so everything cooks at the same pace.
Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning just before serving.
A splash of red wine can elevate the flavor even further.
Don’t rush the simmering – low and slow is where the magic happens.

Variations and Customizations

Want to make it lighter? Skip the potatoes and veggies and turn this into a meat-and-broth stew. You can also replace potatoes with low-carb alternatives like turnips or cauliflower florets! For a spicy kick, add hot paprika or a pinch of cayenne. Vegetarians could swap the beef for mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a plant-based twist. Or, for a creamy goulash, stir in a dollop of sour cream once it’s done cooking.

Nutritional Information

Hungarian Goulash is hearty and nutritious! A typical serving is around 350 calories, with 25g of protein for muscle support. You’ll find about 20g of carbs from the potatoes and veggies, helping fuel you with energy, and about 15g of fat (depending on the beef). It’s also packed with vitamins like vitamin A (from the carrots and paprika) and potassium (from the potatoes). If you’re looking to lighten it up, use leaner cuts of beef and skip any added starches.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Hungarian Goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For reheating, microwave individual portions or warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it’s thickened too much. This dish also freezes beautifully – just cool it completely, freeze in portions, and thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy!

All Your Questions About This Recipe