🇭🇺 Easy Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Warm, hearty, and packed with rich paprika flavor, Gulyás is one of Hungary’s most iconic dishes. Originally prepared by Hungarian shepherds over open fires, this comforting beef and vegetable stew has become a beloved family meal enjoyed throughout the world. With tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a deeply flavorful broth, this easy recipe brings authentic Hungarian cooking right to your kitchen.

⏱️ Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Cuisine: Hungarian
  • Difficulty: Easy

🥘 Ingredients

For the Goulash

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 1 kg (2 lbs) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 6 cups (1.5 liters) beef broth or water
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Sour cream
  • Crusty bread

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Onions

Heat the oil or lard in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions and cook slowly for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden. Properly cooked onions are the foundation of a flavorful Hungarian goulash.

Step 2: Add Paprika

Remove the pot from the heat for a moment and stir in the Hungarian paprika.

Mix quickly to coat the onions.

Tip: Paprika can become bitter if burned, so always add it away from direct heat.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Return the pot to medium heat and add the beef cubes.

Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is lightly browned.

Add the garlic and caraway seeds and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Stir in the diced tomato and chopped bell pepper.

Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5: Simmer

Pour in the beef broth or water.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Cover and simmer for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.

The beef should become increasingly tender as it cooks.

Step 6: Add Potatoes and Carrots

Add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots.

Continue cooking for another 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the hot goulash into bowls.

Garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

🍽️ What to Serve with Hungarian Goulash

This traditional dish pairs wonderfully with:

  • Fresh rustic bread
  • Buttered noodles
  • Hungarian-style dumplings
  • Cucumber salad
  • Pickled vegetables

💡 Tips for the Best Hungarian Goulash

✔ Use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika for the richest flavor.

✔ Cook the onions slowly until golden for a deeper, sweeter broth.

✔ Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender during long simmering.

✔ If the stew becomes too thick, add a little extra broth or water.

✔ Like many stews, goulash often tastes even better the next day.

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