Hungarian Goulash

5 from 10 votes

Hungarian goulash combines tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and peppers braised in a broth spiced with paprika and caraway. This hearty stew is ultra comforting and always a huge hit!

Prep Time15

Cook Time2 45

Total Time3

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Hungarian

Servings:

Author: James Delmage and Tara

Ingredients

1/4 pound bacon
2 pounds chuck roast 2-inch cubes
1/4 cup flour for dredging only, discard remainder
2 large yellow onions diced
3 large bell peppers assorted, chopped
2 large carrots diced
5 cloves garlic minced
3 plum tomatoes chopped
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
5 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
2 large bay leaves
5 cups low sodium beef stock or broth
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley minced
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat a large heavy pot to medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until crisp, then remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a plate.
Meanwhile, pat the beef cubes very dry and season with salt and pepper on all sides. Dredge the cubes in the flour then shake off all of the excess. Sear the beef cubes in the bacon fat until browned on all sides (5-7 minutes) then remove the beef to a plate.
Add the onions to the pot and saute until they are translucent (about 8 minutes) then add the peppers and carrots and continue to cook for another 10 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the caraway seeds and plum tomatoes and stir to combine. Cook for a few minutes.
Add the cooked bacon, beef, beef stock, bay leaves, and paprika to the pot. Bring to a boil. Once boiling lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Place the lid on top of the bottom leaving it partially cracked. Simmer for 90 minutes then remove the lid and simmer for another 30 minutes.
When the beef is almost tender remove the lid and add the potatoes. Continue to simmer until they are fork-tender (about 20-30 minutes).
Taste test the soup and adjust salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon and stir to combine. Add the parsley and serve.

Video

Notes

Makes 6 large bowls or 8 cups.
Hungarian sweet paprika is typically used for this soup. Since 5 tablespoons of it are called for, make sure to use sweet and not spicy. Spicy can be served on the side for anyone who would like some heat.
Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition