Hungarian Goulash Recipe Like Grandma Made – Rich, Hearty, Perfect
Hungarian Goulash is a hearty, soul-warming stew full of tender beef, sweet paprika, and slow-simmered flavor. It’s a traditional comfort food that brings old-world charm to your table with every bite.
Whether served over noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, this dish is perfect for chilly nights or cozy family dinners. With rich spices and melt-in-your-mouth meat, Hungarian goulash is both rustic and deeply satisfying.
Hungarian Goulash Recipe
6
servings15
minutes3
hours400
kcalThis Hungarian Goulash is a rich and hearty stew made with tender beef, sweet paprika, and warm spices. It’s the perfect comfort food for cozy nights and satisfying meals.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1½ teaspoons salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 bay leaf
Optional: sour cream and parsley for serving
Directions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden.
- Stir in garlic and paprika (remove from heat briefly to avoid burning the paprika).
- Add beef and brown on all sides.
- Stir in tomato paste, caraway seeds (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth, add bay leaf, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Add potatoes and red bell pepper, then cook uncovered for another 30–40 minutes, until beef is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot with noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Sweet Hungarian paprika is key—don’t substitute with hot or smoked unless desired.
- For a thicker stew, mash a few potato cubes into the sauce.
- Make it ahead—the flavor deepens even more the next day.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Read more: Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe (Ready in 10 Minutes!)
Conclusion
Hungarian Goulash is the kind of comforting, slow-cooked meal that warms you from the inside out. With its rich paprika flavor, tender beef, and rustic simplicity, it’s a dish that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or cozy night in, this timeless classic never disappoints.
