Hearty Beef Stew Goulash with Tender Meat

by

🍲 Hearty Beef Stew Goulash with Tender Meat, Veggies & Rich Broth

Rich, warming, and satisfying — a classic one-pot meal perfect for cold days and family dinners.

🌟 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 kg (2.2 lb) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp paprika (sweet Hungarian paprika preferred)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, traditional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth or stock
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or marjoram
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

🍳 Instructions

  1. Sear the Beef
    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    Add beef in batches and brown well on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook Aromatics
    In the same pot, add sliced onion and cook until soft and golden (5–7 minutes).
    Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build Flavor
    Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
    Add flour, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds. Stir well.
  4. Deglaze & Simmer
    Slowly pour in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
    Return beef to the pot. Add bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Slow Cook
    Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
    Cover and simmer for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
  6. Add Vegetables
    Add carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper.
    Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until vegetables are soft and broth thickens.
  7. Finish & Serve
    Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

⭐ Tips for Best Goulash

  • Use Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor
  • Brown meat well for deeper taste
  • Low and slow cooking ensures tender beef
  • Add a splash of water or broth if stew thickens too much

🍽 Serving Suggestions

  • Crusty bread or garlic bread
  • Buttered noodles or rice
  • Mashed potatoes

🧾 Conclusion

This hearty beef goulash is the ultimate comfort stew — deeply flavorful, nourishing, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and rich broth make it a timeless classic.

Leave a Comment