Hungarian Goulash with Noodles (Printable)

A rustic Hungarian stew with tender beef and paprika, served atop rich egg noodles.

# What You'll Need:

→ Goulash

01 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
03 - 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, lightly crushed
08 - 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
09 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
10 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
11 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained)
12 - 4 cups beef broth
13 - 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1 bay leaf

→ For Serving

16 - 12 ounces wide egg noodles
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
18 - Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
19 - Sour cream (optional, for garnish)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, sauté onions until golden and very soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
03 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and dried marjoram. Stir constantly for 1 minute, avoiding burning the spices.
04 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in diced bell pepper and tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
05 - Return browned beef and its juices to the pot. Pour in beef broth, add salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Meanwhile, prepare egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter if using.
08 - Remove bay leaf from the stew. Plate the goulash over egg noodles, garnish with chopped parsley and sour cream if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Rich and flavorful traditional Hungarian taste
  • Hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners
02 -
  • Use a mix of sweet and hot paprika for richer flavor
  • Beef can be replaced with pork shoulder for variation
03 -
  • Brown the beef in batches for better color and flavor
  • Simmer gently to keep meat tender
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