Comforting Goulash Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warming bowl of goulash. Imagine tender chunks of beef simmering in a rich, aromatic sauce, with hints of paprika wafting through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. As the flavors meld together, you can almost hear your family gathering around the table, hungry for that first delicious bite.

I vividly recall my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and the savory scent of her goulash recipe simmering on the stove. It was our go-to dish for cold winter nights or family gatherings, bringing everyone together with its hearty warmth. You can bet there were never any leftovers when Grandma made her famous goulash.

It was during one particularly chilly evening that I whipped up this goulash recipe for a gathering of friends. The compliments kept pouring in as they savored each spoonful—definitely a memory worth cherishing!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Beef Chuck Roast: Look for well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness and flavor during cooking.

• Onions: Sweet onions add a beautiful depth; sauté until golden brown for best results.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key; it adds a fragrant kick that elevates the entire dish.

• Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes for texture; they provide acidity that balances the richness.

• Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still achieving robust flavor.

• Paprika: Sweet or smoked paprika? Choose based on your preference; both add depth and warmth.

• Carrots and Bell Peppers: These veggies add sweetness and color; chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Pasta (optional): Egg noodles are traditional; they soak up the sauce beautifully, creating comfort in every bite.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking as they mingle together.

Sear the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add oil. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides—about 5 minutes will do nicely—creating that flavorful crust.

Add Aromatics: Toss in the onions and garlic after removing the beef from the pot. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant—this should take about 3 minutes.

Combine Everything Together: Return the seared beef to the pot along with diced tomatoes, broth, paprika, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir everything together until well combined.

Simmer Away! : Cover the pot and reduce heat to low; let the goulash simmer for about 1.5 hours until beef is fork-tender and flavors meld beautifully.

Serve It Up!: If you’re using pasta, cook it according to package instructions while your goulash simmers. Serve over noodles or enjoy it straight from the pot! Dust with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!

Now you have a delicious homemade goulash recipe that’s sure to impress—and maybe even spark some nostalgia among your loved ones! Enjoy every bite while sharing stories around your dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meat and onions first, then add spices and vegetables before simmering. This ensures deep flavor development and a satisfying texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap beef for turkey or add in some bell peppers for a colorful twist. Experiment with spices like paprika or cayenne for extra heat.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of family gatherings where laughter echoed around the table, and everyone fought over the last spoonful of goulash.

FAQ

What kind of meat works best for goulash recipe?

Beef chuck or ground beef are traditional choices, providing great flavor and tenderness.

Can I make this goulash recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute meat with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.

How can I thicken my goulash?

Add cornstarch mixed with water or let it simmer longer to achieve desired thickness.

Print

Goulash

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef with a rich, aromatic sauce infused with paprika. This easy-to-make dish warms hearts and brings families together around the dinner table. Perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings, this goulash recipe features vibrant vegetables and can be served over pasta or rice, making it a versatile favorite for all occasions.

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• Optional: 8 oz egg noodles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper into uniform pieces.
2. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add oil and sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove from pot.
3. Add onions and garlic to the pot; sauté until onions are translucent (about 3 minutes).
4. Return seared beef to the pot along with diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir well.
5. Cover and reduce heat to low; let simmer for about 1.5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
6. If using pasta, cook according to package instructions while goulash simmers. Serve goulash over noodles or enjoy straight from the pot.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg