The Best Homemade Goulash Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade goulash is a comforting classic that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

• Quick and easy – Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep and one-pot convenience.
• Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy, thanks to its hearty, savory taste.
• Versatile – Customize with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.

Recipe

Goulash is a hearty Hungarian stew that is perfect for a comforting meal. This dish features tender beef simmered in a rich paprika-infused broth with vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
2. Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add beef back to the pot, along with red bell peppers, tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Add potatoes and carrots to the pot. Cover and continue simmering for another 30 minutes or until beef and vegetables are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Notes:

• For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the goulash during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cuisine:

Hungarian

Serving:

6 servings

Nutrition

Goulash is a hearty dish that provides essential nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade goulash with sides that balance its rich, savory flavors, like buttery egg noodles or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or tangy sauerkraut adds a revitalizing contrast, cutting through the heartiness of the dish. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream on top—it’s the perfect creamy finish!

Side Dish Pairings

When you’re serving up a hearty bowl of goulash, it’s essential to have the right sides to balance the rich, savory flavors. I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette, which adds a fresh, crisp contrast. Crusty bread or rolls are a must for soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables, like carrots and parsnips, bring a touch of sweetness and earthiness. For a creamy addition, a dollop of sour cream or a side of mashed potatoes works wonders. These sides make the meal feel complete.

Complementary Flavors

Although goulash is a dish that can stand on its own, pairing it with the right flavors can really make it shine. I love serving it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce, or a fresh cucumber salad for a crisp, invigorating contrast. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess, while pickles or sauerkraut bring tangy notes that balance the savory stew. Roasted vegetables like carrots or bell peppers also add sweetness, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish. These pairings turn a cozy meal into something truly special, letting every bite shine.