Description
Grandma’s Goulash is a comforting and hearty Hungarian stew featuring tender beef chuck slow-cooked with onions, garlic, paprika, and vegetables to deliver a rich, nostalgic flavor. This timeless recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings, offering flexibility to adapt to various dietary preferences without sacrificing its soulful essence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and carrots to create a flavorful base for the stew.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear until golden brown on all sides, which helps lock in the juices and develop rich flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Remove the browned beef from the pot. Using the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until they become soft and translucent, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the Hungarian paprika and tomato paste, cooking for about one minute to release their aromas and deepen the sauce’s richness.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot along with the chopped bell peppers, carrots, beef broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the goulash hot, ideally with crusty bread, buttered egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Patience is key: slow simmering ensures tender beef and deep flavor development.
- Use authentic Hungarian paprika for the best smoky and sweet taste.
- Properly brown the meat to enhance the stew’s depth and richness.
- Adding tomato paste and spices at the right time balances the sauce and aroma.
- Allow the goulash to rest a few minutes before serving to intensify flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: goulash, Hungarian stew, beef stew, comfort food, paprika stew, slow-cooked beef, traditional goulash