Growing up, goulash was always a comforting dish that my grandma would make for us on chilly winter evenings. The rich, meaty stew with its delightful blend of spices and tender chunks of beef would fill the house with the most mouthwatering aroma, instantly transporting me back to those cozy family gatherings. Grandma would stand over the stove, stirring the bubbling pot and humming softly to herself, as I watched on eagerly, waiting for the first heavenly bite.
There was just something so special about her goulash recipe – the way the flavors melded together perfectly, the beef that practically melted in your mouth, and the comforting warmth it provided on even the coldest of days. It was like a hug in a bowl, and I can still vividly remember the pure joy I felt when Grandma would ladle out a big serving for me, topping it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Even now, as an adult, whenever I make goulash recipe, I’m instantly transported back to those cherished memories. The process of chopping the onions, searing the beef, and letting the stew simmer away on the stovetop fills me with a sense of nostalgia and comfort that I simply can’t replicate with any other dish. It’s become a true staple in my household, a recipe that I turn to time and time again when I need a little bit of that grandmotherly love and warmth.
Why This goulash recipe Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect goulash recipe
What makes this goulash recipe so special, you ask? It all comes down to the careful attention to detail and the use of a few key techniques that really take this dish to the next level. First and foremost, we’re going to sear the beef before adding it to the stew, which helps to lock in all those delicious juices and create a wonderfully caramelized crust on the outside. This adds an extra layer of flavor that you just can’t achieve by simply tossing the raw meat into the pot.
Additionally, we’re going to take the time to properly bloom the spices, allowing them to release their full aroma and flavor before we start building the rest of the stew. This small but mighty step makes a world of difference in the overall taste of the dish, and it’s something that a lot of people tend to overlook. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes of effort.
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Goulash Recipe: A Delicious and Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 4
Description
This classic goulash recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich, paprika-infused broth. It’s the ultimate one-pot meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients
– 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bell peppers, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp sweet paprika
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 bay leaf
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. – Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. – Stir in the bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. – Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. – Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. – Serve the goulash hot, garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread.
Notes
For a thicker stew, you can mix 1-2 tbsp of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the pot during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This will help to thicken the broth.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Finally, we’re going to let the goulash recipe simmer away on the stovetop for a good, long while, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become meltingly tender. This low and slow cooking method is the key to achieving that signature goulash texture and depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this goulash recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
Beef – I prefer to use a chuck roast or stew meat, as these cuts tend to become wonderfully tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
Onions – Yellow or white onions work best, as they provide a sweet, aromatic base for the stew.
Garlic – Fresh garlic is a must, as it adds a pungent, savory depth to the dish.
Paprika – Both sweet and smoked paprika are used in this recipe, providing a lovely depth of flavor and a beautiful red hue to the stew.
Tomatoes – Diced tomatoes, either fresh or canned, help to create the signature goulash sauce.
Beef broth – Use a high-quality beef broth or stock to really amplify the beefy flavor.
Bay leaves – These aromatic leaves add a subtle, earthy note that ties everything together.
Sour cream – A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream is the perfect finishing touch to balance out the richness of the stew.
Step-by-Step goulash recipe Instructions
Preparing Your goulash recipe
Making goulash recipe is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require a bit of time and attention to detail. In total, this recipe will take about 2-3 hours from start to finish, with the majority of that time being spent simmering the stew on the stovetop. You’ll need a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to make this dish, as well as a few basic kitchen tools like a sharp knife, cutting board, and wooden spoon.
1- Begin by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, sear the beef on all sides until a nice, golden-brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside.
2- Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onions to the pot. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, until fragrant.
3- Sprinkle the onions and garlic with the paprika, caraway seeds, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to bloom and release their aromas.
4- Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the goulash recipe simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the sauce has thickened.
5- Once the goulash is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika to your liking. Discard the bay leaves.
6- Serve the goulash recipe hot, ladling it into bowls and topping each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy this comforting, soul-warming dish with a side of crusty bread or over egg noodles.
Pro Tips for Success
When it comes to making the perfect goulash recipe, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:
– Be sure to thoroughly pat the beef dry before searing – this will help create that nice, caramelized crust.
– Don’t be tempted to skip the spice blooming step – it really does make a difference in the overall flavor profile.
– Low and slow is the way to go – the longer you let the goulash simmer, the more tender and flavorful the beef will become.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – goulash recipes can vary in terms of desired spice level and acidity, so don’t be afraid to tweak it to your personal preferences.
– Use a high-quality beef broth or stock for maximum flavor – this is the backbone of the stew, so don’t skimp on it.
One common mistake to avoid is overcrowding the pot when searing the beef. If you try to cram too much meat in at once, it will steam rather than sear, resulting in a less flavorful stew. Work in batches if necessary to ensure each piece of beef gets a nice, golden-brown crust.
Serving and Storing Your goulash recipe
Perfect Pairings for goulash recipe
Goulash recipe is a truly versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a classic serving, I love to serve it over egg noodles or with a crusty loaf of bread for sopping up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also make a lovely companion.
If you’re looking to make it a heartier meal, try serving the goulash recipe over mashed potatoes or with a side of buttered spaetzle. And for a drink pairing, a bold red wine or a cold, crisp lager are both excellent choices that will complement the richness of the stew.
Goulash recipe is also a fantastic dish to serve at casual gatherings or potlucks, as it’s easy to scale up and keep warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish. It’s the perfect cozy, comforting meal for a chilly day or a crowd-pleasing option for a holiday feast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about goulash recipe is that it actually gets better the longer it sits. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.
To store leftover goulash, simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
Goulash recipe also freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can even prepare the entire goulash recipe in advance, up to the point of simmering. Simply sear the beef, sauté the aromatics, and assemble the stew, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to finish cooking. This will save you a significant amount of time on the day you plan to serve it.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for goulash recipe
Creative goulash recipe Variations
While this classic goulash recipe is an absolute delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. One tasty variation is to swap out the beef for pork or even a combination of different meats, like beef and pork or beef and lamb.
You can also play around with the spices, adding a touch of Hungarian paprika for a more authentic flavor profile, or incorporating other warming spices like cumin, coriander, or even a hint of cinnamon. And for a heartier, more stew-like consistency, you can thicken the sauce with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
Looking to make it a one-pot meal? Try adding diced potatoes, carrots, or other hardy vegetables to the stew as it simmers. This will create a more substantial, complete dish.
Prefer a lighter, brighter take on goulash? Garnish the finished stew with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, diced scallions, or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the richness.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this cozy, comforting goulash recipe to suit your personal tastes and cravings.
Making goulash recipe Diet-Friendly
Goulash recipe is already a fairly health-conscious dish, with its focus on tender, protein-rich beef and a vegetable-forward base. However, there are a few simple tweaks you can make to adapt it for specific dietary needs.
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the stew, and serve it over gluten-free pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice instead of traditional egg noodles.
To make it vegan or vegetarian, substitute the beef with plant-based protein, like sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu. You can also use a hearty vegetable broth in place of the beef broth.
For a low-carb or keto-friendly take, skip the noodles or potatoes and serve the goulash over a bed of roasted zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. You can also reduce the amount of tomatoes used, as they contain natural sugars.
No matter what dietary restrictions you may have, with a few simple substitutions, this comforting goulash recipe can be easily adapted to fit your needs while still delivering that same irresistible flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef besides chuck or stew meat?
A: Absolutely! While chuck roast and stew meat are the most common and flavorful choices for goulash, you can also use other cuts like sirloin, brisket, or even ground beef. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and tenderness may vary depending on the cut you choose.
Q: How can I thicken the goulash sauce if it’s too thin?
A: There are a few easy ways to thicken the goulash sauce. You can mix a bit of flour or cornstarch with water or broth to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew. Alternatively, you can let the goulash simmer uncovered for a bit longer, which will allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate and concentrate the flavors.
Q: Can I make goulash recipe in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can absolutely make goulash in either a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, simply sear the beef, sauté the aromatics, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to sear the beef and cook the aromatics, then pressure cook the stew for 45-60 minutes.
Q: How much should I plan to serve per person?
A: As a general rule, you can plan on about 1 cup of goulash per serving. This recipe, which serves 6-8 people, will provide a hearty, satisfying portion for most appetites. If you’re serving the goulash over noodles or with additional sides, you may be able to stretch it a bit further.
Q: Why is my goulash coming out too greasy or fatty?
A: If your goulash is coming out overly greasy or fatty, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure you’re using a leaner cut of beef, like chuck or sirloin, and that you’re patting the meat dry before searing. You can also skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface during the simmering process. Finally, avoid overcrowding the pot when searing the beef, as this can cause it to release more fat.
Conclusion
Goulash recipe is truly a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. With its rich, meaty flavor, tender beef, and aromatic blend of spices, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household, just as it was in mine growing up.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to warm you up on a chilly day or a crowd-pleasing option for a casual gathering, this goulash recipe is the perfect solution. And with all the versatile variations and dietary adaptations I’ve shared, you can easily tailor it to fit your personal tastes and dietary needs.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade goulash. I promise, once you’ve tried this recipe, it will become your new go-to for satisfying that craving for a hearty, soul-warming stew. Bon appétit!