Save A comforting, classic Hungarian stew featuring tender beef and sweet paprika, simmered to perfection and served over buttery egg noodles for a rustic, heartwarming dinner.
I first served this dish to my family on a chilly autumn evening and it quickly became a beloved tradition we look forward to every year
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Beef chuck: 2 pounds cut into 1 inch cubes
- Yellow onions: 2 large finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Sweet Hungarian paprika: 2 tablespoons
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Caraway seeds: 1 teaspoon lightly crushed
- Dried marjoram: 1 teaspoon
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Green bell pepper: 1 diced
- Tomatoes: 2 medium diced or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes drained
- Beef broth: 4 cups
- Salt: 1 teaspoon plus more to taste
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Bay leaf: 1
- Wide egg noodles: 12 ounces
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons optional
- Chopped fresh parsley: for garnish
- Sour cream: optional for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat the oil in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium high heat Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides Remove and set aside
- Step 2:
- In the same pot add onions and sauté until golden and very soft about 8 10 minutes Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more
- Step 3:
- Reduce heat to low Add both paprikas caraway seeds and marjoram Stir constantly for 1 minute ensuring the spices do not burn
- Step 4:
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute then stir in bell pepper and tomatoes cooking for another 2 minutes
- Step 5:
- Return the browned beef and any juices to the pot Pour in beef broth add salt pepper and bay leaf Bring to a gentle simmer
- Step 6:
- Cover and cook on low heat for 1½ 2 hours stirring occasionally until the beef is fork tender and the sauce has thickened Adjust seasoning as needed
- Step 7:
- Meanwhile cook the egg noodles according to package instructions Drain and toss with butter if using
- Step 8:
- Remove bay leaf from the goulash Serve the goulash hot over a bed of egg noodles garnished with parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired
Save Gathering around the table to share this hearty stew has created countless warm memories with my family on cold nights
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal Also pair with a Hungarian red wine such as Egri Bikavár for an authentic touch
Required Tools
Large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven Wooden spoon Chefs knife Cutting board Pasta pot and colander
Allergen Information
Contains Egg (in egg noodles) Dairy (if butter or sour cream is used) May contain gluten (in egg noodles) use gluten free noodles if required Always check product labels for potential allergens
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This recipe makes a perfect cozy dinner any time you want a comforting and flavorful meal
Recipe FAQs
- → What cuts of meat work best for Hungarian goulash?
Beef chuck is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, ensuring a rich and succulent stew.
- → Can I use different spices in this dish?
Sweet Hungarian paprika is key, but smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram add signature flavor layers. Adjust spices to taste for variation.
- → How should egg noodles be prepared for serving?
Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and toss with butter for added richness before plating.
- → What vegetables complement the flavors here?
Onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes create a flavorful base and balance the spiced beef stew perfectly.
- → Are there suitable alternatives to beef in this stew?
Pork shoulder can replace beef for a different but equally tender and flavorful outcome when cooked low and slow.