What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade goulash is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, even on your busiest days.
- It’s hearty and filling, packed with tender beef, savory spices, and wholesome veggies.
- The recipe is super flexible, so you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
- Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers, tasting even better the next day.
Recipe
Goulash is a hearty and flavorful Hungarian stew, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This traditional dish features tender beef, rich paprika, and a savory broth, making it a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic, paprika, and caraway seeds, stirring for 1 minute.
- Return beef to the pot. Add bay leaf, bell pepper, tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
- If using potatoes, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes:
- For extra richness, stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Serve with crusty bread or egg noodles.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 hours
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serving: 6
Nutrition
Goulash is a hearty dish packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving:
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | 20g | 12g | 30g | 4g | 6g | 800mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade goulash with simple side dishes that complement its rich flavor, like warm crusty bread or a fresh green salad. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try serving it over buttered egg noodles or with a side of roasted root vegetables. These choices balance the dish perfectly and make the meal feel complete.
Side Dishes Ideas
When you’re serving up a hearty bowl of goulash, pairing it with the right side dishes can really make the meal feel complete. I love a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or buttery garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, add a nice crunch, while mashed potatoes turn it into comfort food heaven. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up some spaetzle—it’s like tiny noodles that soak up all the delicious flavors. Don’t forget pickles or coleslaw for a revitalizing bite!
Perfect Pairing Choices
There’s something about homemade goulash that makes you want to build the perfect meal around it. I love pairing it with a fresh, crusty bread to soak up all that rich, hearty sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a revitalizing contrast, balancing the dish’s bold flavors. For something heartier, roasted potatoes or buttered egg noodles work wonders. I also enjoy serving it with pickled vegetables, like cucumbers or red cabbage, for a zesty kick. And don’t forget a dollop of sour cream on top—it’s creamy, cool, and ties everything together beautifully. Each bite feels like a celebration!
