hungarian beef goulash recipe

The Best hungarian beef goulash recipe
I’ve been making Hungarian beef goulash for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite recipes. The dish originated in Hungary, where it was known as ‘gulyás,’ which translates to ‘cowboy’ or ‘herdsman.’
It was a hearty, comforting meal that the Hungarian herdsmen would cook over an open fire. The goulash I make is a bit more refined, but it still captures the spirit of that original recipe.
The flavor is rich and savory, with a depth of flavor that comes from slow-cooking the beef and vegetables in a flavorful broth. My kids love it because it’s like a big bowl of comfort food that warms them up from the inside out.
And the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just throw all the ingredients into a pot and let it simmer away. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday or party.
And the health benefits are numerous – the beef is slow-cooked until it’s tender and falls apart easily, and the vegetables are cooked until they’re soft and flavorful. Plus, you can serve it over egg noodles or with some crusty bread on the side for a filling meal.
My family and I have been making this recipe for so long now that we’ve even started our own tradition – every year on my birthday, we have a big family gathering where we make this exact recipe. It’s become such an integral part of our family traditions that I couldn’t imagine celebrating without it…

Hungarian Beef Goulash
A hearty and flavorful Hungarian beef goulash made with tender beef, onions, peppers, and paprika. This classic dish is perfect for a comforting meal, served over egg noodles or rice.
🥘Ingredients
Ingredients
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
This Hungarian beef goulash recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or want something special for guests at your next gathering.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it over egg noodles, with some crusty bread on the side, or even as a hearty stew with some crusty bread on top…
One thing I love about this recipe is how well it reheats – just refrigerate any leftovers overnight and reheat them in the morning when you’re ready for lunch.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hungarian Beef Goulash
Q: What type of beef should I use for Hungarian beef goulash?
A: You can use either beef stew meat or boneless short ribs for this recipe. Beef stew meat is a good option if you want a more tender final product, while boneless short ribs will give your goulash a richer, more intense flavor. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
Q: Can I make Hungarian beef goulash in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the beef in a pan before adding all the ingredients to the slow cooker and letting it cook on low for 8-10 hours. This method will result in an incredibly tender final product.
Q: Do I need to add paprika to Hungarian beef goulash?
A: While traditional Hungarian recipes do include paprika as an ingredient, you can omit it if you prefer or don’t have any on hand. The paprika does add a distinctive smoky flavor to the dish, though.
Q: Can I substitute other types of meat for beef in this recipe?
A: While beef is traditional in Hungarian beef goulash, you can experiment with other types of meat if you prefer. Pork shoulder or lamb shanks would both work well in this recipe.
Q: How long does Hungarian beef goulash keep in the fridge?
A: If stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Hungarian beef goulash will keep for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer-term storage – simply thaw it out when you’re ready to reheat.
Q: Can I add other vegetables besides carrots and potatoes to Hungarian beef goulash?
A: Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this recipe! Some options might include diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms – just be sure they’re cooked through before serving.
