Hungarian Goulash is a rich, hearty dish packed with deep, savory flavors that make it an all-time favorite comfort food. This traditional recipe brings together tender beef, aromatic onions, and a blend of spices to create a warm and satisfying meal. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a side of crusty bread, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, flavorful stews.

Ingredients
2 medium onions
2 teaspoons butter or lard (preferred)
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
2 tablespoons paprika
¼ cup flour
1 ½ pound stewing beef trimmed and cut into 1″ cubes
2 cups beef broth or water
1 cup diced tomatoes canned
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Optional
1 ½ cup carrots optional
3 cups potatoes optional
Instructions
In a large pot, melt butter and add onion. Cook till translucent. Stir in caraway seeds and paprika and mix well. In a bowl, dredge the stew beef with flour. Add beef to the onion mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Slowly add about ¼ cup of the beef broth to lift the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Then add remaining broth, diced tomatoes (potatoes and carrots if using), salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil, cover, then reduce to a simmer for about 1 ½ -2 hours or until tender.

Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
- Serve Hungarian Goulash hot with crusty bread, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley for extra flavor.
- Pair with a side of pickles or a light cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.
- For an authentic touch, serve with Hungarian dumplings (nokedli) or spaetzle.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day!
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to restore the consistency. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Hungarian Goulash is a fantastic make-ahead meal that tastes even better as the flavors meld. Enjoy this comforting dish fresh or as a delicious leftover!
Variations
1. Classic Hungarian Goulash – Stick to the traditional recipe with beef, paprika, onions, and caraway seeds for an authentic experience.
2. Spicy Goulash – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. You can also stir in sliced hot Hungarian wax peppers for a bold, spicy flavor.
3. Smoky Goulash – Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to give the dish a rich, smoky depth. Adding a small amount of bacon or smoked sausage can enhance the smokiness.
4. Hungarian Chicken Goulash – Swap beef for boneless chicken thighs to create a lighter version while keeping the same flavorful base.
5. Vegetarian Goulash – Replace beef with mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a plant-based take on this hearty dish. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
6. Slow Cooker Goulash – Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a hassle-free meal with tender beef.
7. Instant Pot Goulash – Use the sauté function to brown the beef and onions, then pressure cook for 35 minutes for a quicker version with the same deep flavors.
8. Creamy Goulash – Stir in ½ cup of sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamy and slightly tangy twist.
9. Beer-Infused Goulash – Replace 1 cup of beef broth with a dark beer like a stout or porter to enhance the richness and depth of flavor.
10. German-Style Goulash 🇩🇪 – Add bell peppers, bay leaves, and a splash of red wine for a German-inspired version that’s slightly tangier and heartier.
Whether you like it spicy, smoky, creamy, or vegetarian, Hungarian Goulash is incredibly versatile. Try one of these variations and make it your own!
FAQs
1. What is the difference between Hungarian Goulash and American Goulash?
Hungarian Goulash is a rich, paprika-based stew with tender beef, while American Goulash is more of a tomato-based pasta dish with ground beef and macaroni.
2. Can I make Hungarian Goulash without caraway seeds?
Yes! While caraway seeds add an authentic depth of flavor, you can omit them or substitute with fennel seeds or cumin for a slightly different taste.
3. What’s the best cut of beef for Hungarian Goulash?
Use stewing beef, chuck roast, or beef shank, as they become incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Avoid lean cuts that may turn tough.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
5. Can I freeze Hungarian Goulash?
Yes! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
6. What can I serve with Hungarian Goulash?
It pairs well with crusty bread, egg noodles, dumplings, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal. A side of pickles or cucumber salad also complements the flavors.
7. How do I make Hungarian Goulash thicker?
If you prefer a thicker goulash, you can simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes or mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in.
8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
9. Is Hungarian Goulash spicy?
No, traditional Hungarian Goulash is not spicy but rich in paprika flavor. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper or hot Hungarian wax peppers.
10. Can I use pork instead of beef?
Yes! While beef is the classic choice, pork shoulder or pork stew meat can be used for a slightly different but equally delicious version.
Hungarian Goulash is a versatile, comforting dish that can be adapted to suit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and serving options!
Hungarian Goulash is the ultimate comfort meal with its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Serve it with crusty bread or over egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying experience. Try it today and bring a taste of Hungary to your kitchen!
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Hungarian Goulash
Description
Hungarian Goulash is a rich, hearty dish packed with deep, savory flavors that make it an all-time favorite comfort food. This traditional recipe brings together tender beef, aromatic onions, and a blend of spices to create a warm and satisfying meal. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a side of crusty bread, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, flavorful stews.
Ingredients
2 medium onions
2 teaspoons butter or lard (preferred)
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
2 tablespoons paprika
¼ cup flour
1 ½ pound stewing beef trimmed and cut into 1” cubes
2 cups beef broth or water
1 cup diced tomatoes canned
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Optional
3 cups potatoes optional
Instructions
In a large pot, melt butter and add onion. Cook till translucent. Stir in caraway seeds and paprika and mix well. In a bowl, dredge the stew beef with flour. Add beef to the onion mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Slowly add about ¼ cup of the beef broth to lift the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Then add remaining broth, diced tomatoes (potatoes and carrots if using), salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil, cover, then reduce to a simmer for about 1 ½ -2 hours or until tender.
Notes
Serving Tips
- Serve Hungarian Goulash hot with crusty bread, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley for extra flavor.
- Pair with a side of pickles or a light cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.
- For an authentic touch, serve with Hungarian dumplings (nokedli) or spaetzle.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day!
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to restore the consistency. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Hungarian Goulash is a fantastic make-ahead meal that tastes even better as the flavors meld. Enjoy this comforting dish fresh or as a delicious leftover!