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Hungarian Goulash Recipe Easy 5-Step Hearty Comfort Meal

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A cozy, hearty Hungarian goulash featuring tender beef, smoky paprika, and a rich tomato base, perfect for chilly evenings and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil or lard over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 6–8 minutes until translucent and golden, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the paprika and tomato paste for 30 seconds to coat the onions and garlic evenly.
  4. Add the beef cubes and toss to coat in the paprika-onion mixture. Brown the beef for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are seared.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and add bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
  6. Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes. Continue simmering covered for another 20 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender and stew thickens.
  7. Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. Stir in sour cream if desired just before plating.

Notes

Do not add paprika directly to hot oil to avoid bitterness; stir it in off the heat. Brown the beef well to develop deep flavor. Simmer slowly on low heat for tender meat and rich flavor. If stew is too thin near the end, uncover and simmer 5–10 minutes to reduce liquid. Evenly slice carrots and potatoes for uniform cooking. Use fresh paprika for best flavor. Bay leaves add subtle aroma and should be removed before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hungarian goulash, beef stew, paprika stew, comfort food, easy goulash recipe, hearty meal

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