This Hungarian goulash recipe originally hails from Hungary but my husband became familiar with this particular variation when he lived in Denmark. It is traditionally made with stew meat, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and lots of savory seasonings in a dark, rich sauce. Now, some of you may be scratching your heads, because there’s another favorite type of Goulash (also called American Goulash recipe) which includes lean ground beef, elbow macaroni noodles (or similar pasta), and cheese (think homemade Hamburger Helper). There are dozens of delicious variations and in the end, there’s no wrong answer to how you want to prepare a warm, nourishing Goulash dinner.
Beef Goulash Ingredients
Traditional beef goulash can be made a variety of ways. For this recipe we use:
Stew meat – two pounds cubed steak or a package of stew meat works great Salt and black pepper – to taste Onion – one medium yellow onion, chopped or finely diced Potatoes – I like to serve this goulash over mashed potatoes, but you could serve a side of roasted red potatoes as well. Carrots – About four or five regular sized carrots, peeled and cut, or one and a half cups baby carrots. Onion soup mix – one package dry onion soup mix Beef broth – 3 to 4 cups or one box of beef stock or broth Browning – half a tablespoon of browning juice. You can also use soy sauce for a deep, rich color and flavor. Paprika – Paprika is the Hungarian word for pepper, so if you see a recipe calling for Hungarian paprika, it’s more of a sweet paprika, and easy to find in the spice aisle of the grocery store. You can use regular smoked paprika too. Worcestershire sauce – one or two teaspoons, but you can add up to a tbsp of this delicious sauce for a dark, rich gravy. Cornstarch – one quarter cup. Mix one third cup water with the cornstarch to thicken up the gravy.
Additional Ingredients or Substitutions
Diced tomato – you can use a can of diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning or regular fresh tomatoes Bell Peppers – red peppers or green peppers works great in this recipe Garlic – a few cloves of diced or chopped garlic Tomato Sauce – or a jar of spaghetti sauce Sharp cheddar cheese – add shredded cheddar cheese on top Ground turkey – you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the stew beef. Italian sausage – substitute stew beef with sausage for a different flavor. Bay Leaf – add one or two bay leaves while the meat simmers. Just make sure to remove the leaves before you serve Sour cream – stir in a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy gravy texture Oregano, basil or thyme – add a teaspoon of dried oregano, basil or thyme for extra herbal flavor Red wine vinegar – adding a dash of red wine vinegar gives the gravy a nice bright flavor.
What Goes with Goulash for Dinner?
Green beans or peas – serve as a side or mixed in with the yummy meat gravy. Extra veggies – roasted vegetables like zucchini, squash, asparagus or corn pair so well with this rich meat and gravy. Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, over egg noodles or any other starch you like. Try dishing the Beef Goulash over thick slices of Texas toast or sourdough bread.
It’s All About the Gravy
My husband ate this a lot when he was living in Denmark. He loved the tender chunks of beef swimming in dark, savory and creamy gravy. Over the years I tried to perfect that dark color and flavor, but it wasn’t until I added a few shakes of dark soy sauce that I finally achieved the rich flavor he loved. In Denmark, they often use “browning” for the dark coloring so that can also definitely be used. The result is a classic, velvety rich swoon-worthy gravy.
Make it in the Crock Pot
Beef Goulash can be made easily in the Crock Pot! On the stove top, just sear your beef on all sides, making sure it’s a nice crusty brown. Then throw it in the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients and cook for four to six hours. We also love the convenience of the Instant Pot Try our Instant Pot Beef Goulash . Try it and enjoy dinner in no time!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover Beef Goulash needs to be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Heat by putting individual servings in the microwave. You can freeze leftovers too! This easy goulash recipe can easily be frozen and stored in a freezer safe bag or container for up to three months. To reheat, thaw completely in the refrigerator, then warm on the stove top or microwave.
A Gluten Free Goulash
Goulash can be a gluten-free dish with the substitution of a few ingredients. Use gluten free soy sauce, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth for a delicious, gluten-free goulash. Read Next: 33+ Easy Dinner Ideas
More Comfort Food Recipes Using Beef
Try these other beef recipes and you’ll have an arsenal of dinner ideas that will keep you and your family’s stomachs full and warm all winter long!
How to Make Beef Goulash
Beef and Noodles Skillet
Crockpot Beef Stew
Oven Roast Beef
Easy Beef Stroganoff
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