Pin it A comforting, classic Hungarian stew featuring tender beef and sweet paprika, simmered to perfection and served over buttery egg noodles for a rustic, heartwarming dinner.
This dish brings back memories of cozy evenings shared with loved ones enjoying a warm home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds beef chuck cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 large yellow onions finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds lightly crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 medium tomatoes diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes drained)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat the oil in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In the same pot add onions and sauté until golden and very soft about 8 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 3:
- Reduce heat to low. Add both paprikas caraway seeds and marjoram. Stir constantly for 1 minute ensuring the spices do not burn.
- Step 4:
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute then stir in bell pepper and tomatoes cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Return the browned beef and any juices to the pot. Pour in beef broth add salt pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6:
- Cover and cook on low heat for 1½ 2 hours stirring occasionally until the beef is fork tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 7:
- Meanwhile cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter if using.
- Step 8:
- Remove bay leaf from the goulash. Serve the goulash hot over a bed of egg noodles garnished with parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Pin it Sharing this meal has created many joyful moments around our table.
Required Tools
Large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven Wooden spoon Chefs knife Cutting board Pasta pot and colander
Allergen Information
Contains Egg (in egg noodles) Dairy (if butter or sour cream is used) May contain gluten (in egg noodles) use gluten free noodles if required Always check product labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 670 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 58 g Protein 46 g
Pin it 
This Hungarian Goulash is the perfect blend of spices and tenderness to warm any chilly evening.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef is best for this stew?
Beef chuck is preferred for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, resulting in a rich, flavorful texture.
- → Can I substitute egg noodles with other pasta?
Yes, wide pasta like pappardelle or thick spaghetti can work well, though egg noodles complement the stew's creamy texture best.
- → How important is the paprika in this dish?
Sweet Hungarian paprika imparts signature flavor and color; combining it with smoked paprika adds a subtle depth and smokiness.
- → Is it necessary to brown the beef first?
Browning beef before simmering develops rich flavors and a deeper color in the sauce, enhancing the overall dish.
- → What garnishes suit this hearty stew?
Chopped fresh parsley brightens the dish, while a dollop of sour cream adds a creamy, tangy finish that balances the spices.