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beef goulash soup and a stew

Beef Goulash (Hungarian Traditional Meal) Soup and a Stew

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Hungarian cuisine with this classic Beef Goulash recipe. This hearty dish offers both a soup and a stew variation, showcasing tender beef chuck steak, potatoes, and a generous helping of paprika. Perfect for those craving comfort food with a touch of Eastern European flair, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
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Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hungarian
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot with lid
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle
  • Soup bowls and stew plates

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Goulash:

  • 2 pounds beef chuck steak cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large onions finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 4 large potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • Sour cream optional
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

Sear the Beef:

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef cubes and sear them until they turn brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

  • In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they become soft and translucent.

Add Paprika and Caraway Seeds:

  • Stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika and caraway seeds, allowing them to release their flavors for a minute.

Return Beef and Add Broth:

  • Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the beef becomes tender.

Add Potatoes and Bell Pepper:

  • Add the diced potatoes and red bell pepper to the pot. Continue simmering, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20-30 minutes.

Serve:

  • Ladle the beef goulash soup into bowls, garnishing with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve the beef stew portion on plates alongside.

Notes

Tips:
  • Adjust the level of paprika to your spice preference; for extra heat, use hot Hungarian paprika.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or dumplings.
  • Make it a day ahead; goulash tastes even better when reheated.
 
Nutrition (per serving):
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fiber: 5g
Keyword beef soups