Name: Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 3 tbsp butter; 2 lb beef chuck roast, cubed into 1-2 inch pieces; salt & black pepper, to taste; 2 yellow onions, diced; 2 red bell peppers, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes; 1 tsp salt; 3 tbsp sweet paprika, good quality; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp hot paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp caraway seeds, lightly crushed (optional); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 lemon, juice of; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (optional); 4 cups beef broth or stock

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

If you are craving a hearty, comforting, and soul-warming dish, look no further than this Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe. It brings together tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, paprika-infused sauce with vibrant peppers, onions, and potatoes that soak up all those bold, smoky flavors. Every spoonful bursts with layers of warmth and tradition, making it a perfect meal for gathering friends and family around the table. This dish is truly a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate filled with many pieces of raw red meat sits at the top left corner. To the right is a whole yellow lemon. Below the lemon, a clear glass bowl holds chopped red tomatoes. Next to that, a bigger clear glass bowl is full of diced white onions. Below the meat plate, a white square dish has two green spices stacked on one side, and a white round dish filled with dark brown liquid sits beside it. Near the center, a white square dish contains finely chopped white garlic. To the right of the garlic, a white round dish holds chunky red tomato sauce. Below the garlic, there is a clear small round bowl with red powder, and next to it, a clear bowl with chopped orange carrots. At the bottom left corner, a clear glass bowl is filled with yellow cubed pieces that look like potatoes. To the right of that is a tiny clear bowl with thick dark red sauce, and next to it, a white square dish holds sliced yellow butter. To the right, a small clear bowl contains light brown powder, and beside it, another clear bowl holds more reddish powder. All the items rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe lies in how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is. Every component contributes a unique note—creaminess from butter, heartiness from beef, the bright sweetness of bell peppers, and the unmistakable smoky depth that quality paprika offers. Together, they create a wonderfully balanced, slow-cooked masterpiece.

3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
2 lb beef chuck roast, cubed: The perfect cut for tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites after slow simmering.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and bringing out all the flavors.
2 yellow onions, diced: Provide sweetness and a foundational flavor base.
2 red bell peppers, diced: Bring vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and warmth.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Boosts the tomato flavor and adds thickness to the sauce.
14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a slight tang.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the other ingredients’ flavors.
3 tbsp sweet paprika, good quality: The star spice, creating that signature Hungarian flavor.
2 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky complexity that elevates the dish.
1 tsp hot paprika: Provides a subtle kick without overpowering.
1 tsp dried thyme: Gives a herbaceous, earthy note.
1 tsp caraway seeds, lightly crushed (optional): Offers a distinctive, slightly nutty flavor that complements paprika beautifully.
4 cups beef broth or stock: The flavorful liquid that tenderizes the beef and creates the luscious sauce.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami depth.
1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness.
1 bay leaf: Adds subtle complexity during simmering.
2 carrots, diced: Bring sweetness and texture to the stew.
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced: Soak up the sauce and keep the dish hearty.
1/2 lemon, juice of: Brightens the overall flavor with a fresh citrus note.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.

How to Make Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef to Perfection

First things first, season your cubed beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat the butter until shimmering, then add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle sound—that’s when the magic starts. Let each side brown undisturbed for a minute or two, developing that deep color and flavor that forms the backbone of this dish. Set the browned beef aside as you prepare the next step.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Using the same pot, add a bit more butter and gently cook the diced onions over medium heat until they soften and become translucent—about 5 to 6 minutes. Then toss in the diced red bell peppers and minced garlic along with a pinch of salt, cooking for another few minutes. Stir in tomato paste to deepen the tomato flavor, then add your diced tomatoes, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, hot paprika, dried thyme, and crushed caraway seeds if you’re using them. Cook this mixture carefully, stirring often to prevent the paprika from burning and becoming bitter.

Step 3: Simmer the Goulash Slowly

Pour in the beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and that classic bay leaf. Return the browned beef along with all the juices back into the pot. Bring everything up to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low or medium low heat and cover. Let it gently simmer for about 45 minutes, allowing all those flavors to marry and the beef to tenderize beautifully.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Final Touches

After the initial simmer, fold in your diced carrots and Yukon gold potatoes. Increase the heat slightly to medium and continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the vegetables are perfectly tender and the beef is fall-apart soft. Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors, a taste check for salt and pepper, and sprinkle with minced parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch before serving.

How to Serve Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe

A white bowl with two handles holds a stew with three main layers visible: large brown pieces of meat sitting on top, mixed with bright orange carrot chunks, and big light yellow potato pieces, all covered in a rich, reddish-brown sauce sprinkled with small green parsley leaves. The bowl rests on a crumpled dark blue cloth, beside a silver spoon. Nearby, a round loaf of bread with a crisp, golden crust sits on a wooden cutting board, and fresh green parsley sprigs are scattered on the white marbled surface. Part of a metal pot containing more reddish stew is visible at the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe is where you can add a personal flair. Fresh parsley is a classic choice, adding a lovely burst of green and freshness against the rich sauce. Some people love a dollop of sour cream for its creamy tang that cuts through the richness, while others sprinkle a bit more paprika on top for extra color and spice.

Side Dishes

This dish is famously versatile when it comes to sides. Serve your goulash with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of saucy goodness or alongside buttered egg noodles for a traditional touch. Creamy polenta, fluffy spaetzle, or even simple mashed potatoes also pair beautifully, helping to balance and complete this hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your goulash in rustic bread bowls that soak up the sauce as you eat, making for an eye-catching and delicious presentation. Another option is to ladle it over roasted vegetables or sweet potato mash for a unique take. Either way, giving a little creative attention to presentation can turn this humble dish into something truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to cool it down before refrigerating to keep the texture fresh and delicious.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Transfer cooled goulash into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You might need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for prolonged periods as slower reheating helps maintain that tender texture and depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and building your flavor base, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. Just add the potatoes and carrots halfway through to keep them from getting too mushy.

What kind of paprika is best for this recipe?

Using good quality Hungarian sweet paprika is key to achieving authentic flavor. Mixing in smoked and hot paprika adds layers of complexity, but if you can’t find Hungarian paprika, a mix of sweet and smoked varieties from your local grocery will also work beautifully.

Is caraway seed necessary in this soup?

Caraway seeds are optional but recommended for their subtle, nutty flavor that complements the smoky paprika. If you’re not a fan, you can omit them without compromising the overall deliciousness of the dish.

Can I substitute beef chuck for another cut?

Beef chuck is ideal because of its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking. However, you could use brisket or shin cuts as alternatives. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

How spicy is this Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe?

The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the hot paprika, which adds just a gentle kick. You can adjust the amount of hot paprika to suit your personal taste or add a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer it spicier.

Final Thoughts

This Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe is a true comfort food that warms your heart and fills your belly with authentic, irresistible flavors. It’s a perfect dish to share with loved ones on chilly evenings, proving that simple ingredients combined with a bit of time and love can result in culinary magic. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—you’re going to fall in love with every cozy bite.