Go Back Email Link
classic hungarian beef goulash (gulyás) recipe - Classic Hungarian Beef Goulash (Gulyás) served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Classic Hungarian Beef Goulash (Gulyás)

classic hungarian beef goulash (gulyás) recipe made easy at home. A rich and hearty Hungarian beef stew, slowly simmered with sweet paprika and tender vegetab
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Hungarian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Stew
  • 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil divided
  • 2 large yellow onions finely diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Hungarian sweet paprika preferably Szegedi
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds lightly crushed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 4 cups beef broth low sodium
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • to taste salt and black pepper
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • optional sour cream for serving

Method
 

  1. Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp lard in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches without crowding, turning to sear all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining lard, then onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
  3. Remove pot from heat. Immediately stir in paprika and caraway seeds until vegetables are well coated. Return to low heat and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the paprika.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and bay leaves. Return beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beef is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
  5. Remove bay leaves. Stir in vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.