Save 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 reminds me of cozy family dinners where the whole house fills with the rich aroma of paprika and simmering beef.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Beef chuck: 2 pounds cut into 1-inch cubes
- Yellow onions: 2 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sweet Hungarian paprika: 2 tablespoons
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Caraway seeds: 1 teaspoon, lightly crushed
- Dried marjoram: 1 teaspoon
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained)
- Beef broth: 4 cups
- Salt: 1 teaspoon plus more to taste
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Bay leaf: 1
- Egg noodles: 12 ounces wide
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (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 to 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 1 ½ to 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.
Save Sharing this goulash always brings the family together around the table enjoying comfort food and good conversation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Pairing Ideas
Pairs wonderfully with a Hungarian red wine such as Egri Bikavér to complement the smoky paprika flavors.
Allergen Information
Contains egg in the egg noodles and dairy if butter or sour cream is used. Substitute gluten-free noodles as needed.
Save 
This classic Hungarian goulash is a timeless dish that fills your home with warmth and invites everyone to gather around the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of meat is best for this stew?
Beef chuck is ideal due to its tenderness and ability to become flavorful when slow-cooked, making the stew rich and hearty.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, mixing sweet and hot paprika can increase heat, or using just sweet paprika keeps the flavor mild and rich.
- → What noodles complement this stew well?
Wide egg noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce nicely, adding a buttery texture to each bite.
- → How long should the stew simmer for best results?
Simmering on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours ensures the beef becomes fork-tender and flavors fully develop.
- → Are there suitable garnishes to enhance the flavors?
Fresh chopped parsley adds brightness, while a dollop of sour cream provides a creamy contrast to the rich stew.