Description
Hungarian Goulash is a comforting and hearty stew combining tender beef, sweet vegetables, and the rich flavors of paprika and savory herbs. This easy recipe uses simple, natural ingredients and can be adapted for plant-based preferences, making it perfect for any night when you want a soul-warming meal with authentic taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons paprika (natural)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
Other
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent mixed with cold water
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers evenly. Cut beef into bite-sized cubes, trimming excess fat. Having all ingredients ready will streamline cooking.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a sturdy pot over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add beef cubes and brown thoroughly on all sides to seal in juices and enhance flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Remove beef and set aside. Lower heat and add onions and garlic to the pot, stirring gently until softened and golden to create a fragrant base.
- Add Paprika and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle paprika over the onions, stirring quickly to avoid burning. Mix in tomato paste for richness and a thick, vibrant sauce color.
- Combine and Simmer: Return beef to the pot with chopped carrots, bell peppers, bay leaves, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Final Touches: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the natural gelling agent mixed with cold water to thicken the sauce slightly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, remove bay leaves, and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh paprika (natural) for the best flavor impact.
- Brown meat in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure a perfect sear.
- Cook low and slow to achieve tender beef and deep flavor development.
- Season gradually with salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning early.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Hungarian Goulash, Beef Stew, Paprika, Comfort Food, Plant-based Option, Stew
