Beef Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish that comes from Hungary but is loved all around the world. Picture tender pieces of beef stewed in a rich, flavorful sauce made of tomatoes, peppers, and spices. The best part? It’s an easy one-pot meal!
You can cook it in a big pot on the stove or in a slow cooker if you have one. The ingredients are simple, but the flavor is big. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want something warm and filling, beef goulash is a great go-to recipe.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
First off, this beef goulash recipe is super easy to make. You don't need any fancy cooking skills or special equipment. Just a good pot, some basic ingredients like beef, tomatoes, and spices, and you're good to go. You can also add in things you like or take out things you don't. It's really flexible! Plus, it's a one-pot dish, which means less washing up afterward.
Secondly, beef goulash is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors get even better if it sits for a while, making it perfect for meal prep or for those days when you want a hassle-free dinner. Just heat it up when you're ready to eat, and it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. And if you have leftovers, they freeze well too. So you're not just making a meal; you're making several, saving you time and effort in the long run.
Ingredients
Beef Chuck - This is the meaty part that makes the dish hearty. Cut into cubes. You can use stew meat as a substitute.
Onion- it adds a lot of flavor. Yellow or white onions are okay.
Bell Peppers- These add color and sweetness. Green or red will work. If you don't like them, you can leave them out.
Paprika- This is what gives goulash its unique flavor. Regular or smoked both work. You can also use a mild chili powder as a sub.
Tomatoes- Canned diced tomatoes work great. You could use fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce too.
Tips
- Brown the beef well to add flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot so the goulash cooks evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- If it's too thick, add a bit of water or beef broth.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
How to Serve
Goulash is very versatile when it comes to serving. Its rich, hearty texture makes it perfect as a standalone dish, or you can pair it with various sides to make a fuller meal.
- Over Noodles: Traditional, and it lets the sauce shine. You can also try zucchini noodles or brown rice.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Makes it super hearty.
- In a Bread Bowl: Great for cold days and easy to serve.
Similar Recipes
Beef Goulash
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck cubed
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 bell peppers diced
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 can 14-ounce diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cups water or beef broth
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot.
- Brown the beef cubes on all sides. Take them out and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook the onions until soft.
- Add bell peppers and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add the paprika and stir.
- Put the beef back in the pot.
- Add the tomatoes.
- Pour in water or beef broth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning and serve.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Brown the beef well to add flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot so the goulash cooks evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- If it's too thick, add a bit of water or beef broth.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Recipe nice, but has nothing to do with Hungarian Gulyás. The gulyás method is completely different and the ingredients are different. Perhaps one small tomato for a bit of tartness, but not large quantities. Slow cooked in its own sauce, without added water or vegetables. No potatoes in the authentic gulyás, as they were introduced to Europe only CCA. 200 years ago, long after the gulyás was cooked in Hungary.