Make Delicious Hungarian Goulash

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Are you ready to make a hearty and flavorful stew? This Hungarian Goulash recipe is perfect for a comforting meal. It’s a beef stew that will impress your family and friends.

What is Hungarian Goulash?

Hungarian Goulash is a rich beef stew. It is full of flavor and spices. It is different from American goulash, which is more like beef and macaroni. This recipe focuses on the authentic Hungarian version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to gather before you start cooking:

• 1/4 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 pounds chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup flour, for dredging
• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 3 large bell peppers (assorted colors), chopped
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 5 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 2 large bay leaves
• 5 cups low-sodium beef stock or broth
• 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro-Tip: If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t sweat it. Most ingredients can be substituted for something similar.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your own delicious Hungarian Goulash:

1. Prepare the Beef

1. Cut the chuck roast into 2-inch cubes.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Use about 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt for 2 1/2 pounds of meat.
3. Dredge the beef in flour. This helps to create a better crust and thicken the stew. Use a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to make this easier and less messy.

2. Cook the Bacon

1. In a heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat.
2. Let the bacon render its fat.
3. Remove the bacon and set it aside to drain on a paper towel. You can add the bacon back in later or leave it out.

3. Sear the Beef

1. Fry the beef in the bacon fat for a few minutes on each side.
2. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding can cause the beef to boil instead of brown.
3. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the diced onions to the pot. Add a pinch of salt to help them release their water.
2. Cook the onions until they are soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the bell peppers and carrots. Cook for another 10-12 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and caraway seeds. Cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped plum tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes.

5. Combine and Simmer

1. Add the beef and any juices to the pot with the vegetables.
2. Pour in the beef stock.
3. Add the Hungarian paprika and bay leaves.
4. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small crack for partial evaporation.
6. Let it simmer for 2 hours.

6. Add Potatoes

1. After 2 hours, add the cubed potatoes to the stew.
2. Stir and make sure the potatoes are submerged.
3. Continue to simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20-30 minutes.

7. Final Touches

1. Stir in the minced parsley.
2. Remove the bay leaves.
3. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot and stir them back in.

Tips for the Best Goulash

• Don’t Burn the Pot: If the pot starts to burn, add a touch of water to deglaze it. If it burns too much, start over in a new pot.
• Adjust Thickness: If you want a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes. If you like it soupier, leave it as is.
• Spice It Up: If you want a spicier goulash, add some hot paprika. Sweet paprika is more traditional, but a little heat can be nice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Hungarian Goulash hot. It’s great with a side of fresh bread for dipping. This stew is perfect for a cold evening or any time you crave a hearty meal.

Enjoy Your Homemade Goulash

Now you know how to make delicious Hungarian Goulash. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this classic beef stew!

Ready to try it? Gather your ingredients and start cooking today! You won’t regret it.

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