
Here is a clean, photo-free, authentic-style recipe for comforting, flavorful Beef Goulash β rich, hearty, and deeply seasoned with paprika.
π²ππΊ Beef Goulash (Traditional-Style)
A warm Hungarian-inspired stew made with tender beef, onions, paprika, and potatoes simmered slowly until rich and comforting.
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100 Authentic Hungarian Recipes
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Every recipe you love β plus 70 more traditional dishes, tips & variations in one cookbook.
π Get it on Amazon β $9.99β Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp oil or lard
- 3β4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (essential!)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but great)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, traditional)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 tomatoes, diced (or Β½ cup canned)
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 2β3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
π₯ Instructions
1. Build the Flavor Base
- Heat oil in a large pot.
- Add onions and cook slowly until soft and golden β this is key for authentic flavor.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2. Add the Paprika
- Remove pot briefly from heat.
- Stir in sweet paprika (and smoked paprika if using).
This prevents the paprika from burning and becoming bitter.
3. Add the Beef
- Return pot to heat.
- Add beef cubes and stir to coat in paprika mixture.
- Cook until lightly browned on the outside.
4. Add Vegetables and Liquid
- Add tomatoes and bell pepper.
- Pour in enough broth/water to just cover the meat.
- Add caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer
- Cover and cook 1Β½β2 hours, until beef is tender.
- Add potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Finish
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Add more water if you want a soupier goulash, or simmer uncovered to thicken.
π½οΈ Serve With
- Fresh bread
- Noodles or egg spaetzle
- Rice
- Sour cream (optional, not always traditional)
π‘ Tips for Authentic Goulash Flavor
- Use lots of onions β almost equal weight to the beef.
- Donβt skip sweet Hungarian paprika; itβs the soul of goulash.
- Slow simmering makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Add potatoes for a heartier, more traditional countryside style.
If you want, I can also give you:
ππΊ Hungarian Goulash Soup Version
ππΊ Creamy American Goulash (with pasta)
ππΊ Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
ππΊ Paprikash-Style Goulash
Which one would you like next?









