Hearty Homestyle Goulash Ready in Under an Hour

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of hearty comfort? Ever craved a dish that feels like a warm hug? This simple goulash recipe is exactly what you need.

Honestly, it's one of those meals that just makes everything better. Trust me, you'll love it.

Quick Hook

Are you in the mood for something warm and comforting? This simple goulash recipe delivers classic Eastern European flavors, especially rich paprika. It's hearty and satisfying!

Brief Overview

Hungarian goulash recipe has a rich history as a peasant dish. It's now enjoyed globally as ultimate comfort food. This easy version only takes about an hour.

This recipe makes 4-6 servings of pure deliciousness.

Main Benefits

This beef goulash recipe is packed with nutrients and perfect for a chilly night. It's loaded with protein and veggies. This is one of the best comfort food recipes I know.

Ready to dive into the ingredients? I've made this easy goulash recipe countless times. I promise it's a winner. Here is the list.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Goulash Lowdown

Okay, so you want to make a simple goulash recipe ? Brilliant choice! This ain't your grandma's super complicated, all-day affair.

Let's get down to the nitty gritty of what you'll need. Think of this as your shopping list for a beef goulash recipe that's actually achievable on a weeknight.

Trust me, this will be easy goulash recipe .

Main Ingredients: The A-Team

Alright, let's talk beef! You want 1.5 lb (680g) of beef stew meat, cut into about 1 inch cubes. Chuck roast is perfect for this.

Why? Because it gets incredibly tender when it simmers. For the best Hungarian goulash recipe , you need top ingredients.

Get yourself 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Oh, and don't forget the 2 cloves of garlic, minced. For spices, grab 1 tbsp (15ml) of sweet paprika .

If you can find Hungarian paprika, even better. It makes a world of difference. You also need 1 tsp (5ml) of smoked paprika , just because it adds a smoky edge, and 1/2 tsp (2.

5ml) of caraway seeds . Next, get 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can of diced tomatoes , undrained, 4 cups (950ml) of beef broth , and 1 tbsp (15ml) of tomato paste .

Finally, you want 1 large bay leaf , 1 lb (450g) of Yukon Gold potatoes , and 1 large red bell pepper .

The potatoes are what make the goulash with potatoes part of the recipe amazing.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up

Paprika is king here, folks! Sweet paprika is non-negotiable for that authentic traditional goulash flavor. Smoked paprika? That's just leveling up the game.

Caraway seeds add a slightly licorice-y, earthy note. If you're not a fan, skip them. Easy peasy! As for substitutes, if you don't have beef broth, chicken broth will do in a pinch.

But honestly, for the best goulash recipe , beef broth is the way to go. This quick goulash recipe is perfect as comfort food recipes for chilly evenings.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this one-pot goulash . The star of the show is a large Dutch oven or a heavy bottomed pot.

This is crucial for even heat distribution. You'll also need a cutting board, a chef's knife (for chopping all those veggies), and some measuring spoons and cups.

If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large stockpot works fine too. Just make sure it's got a lid!

Hearty Home Style Goulash (Ready in Under an Hour!)

Oh my gosh, you guys, let's talk about goulash. It's like a culinary hug, you know? This easy goulash recipe is your express ticket to comfort food recipes .

We're skipping the long haul and getting straight to delicious. Forget complicated, this is your new weeknight champion! This version of Hungarian goulash recipe is seriously simple.

Prep Like a Pro

Getting your act together before you start cooking is key. It's called mise en place , fancy, innit? Chop your 1 large yellow onion , mince 2 cloves of garlic , and cube 1.

5 lb beef chuck . Measure out your spices. Having everything ready saves so much time. Honestly, it's a game changer. Also, don't forget to wash your hands first! We don't want any unwelcome guests in our yummy beef goulash recipe .

Simmering to Success

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in your pot over medium high heat.
2. Season your beef with salt and pepper. Brown it in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan . This takes about 8- 10 minutes .
3. Chuck in the onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes . Add garlic; cook until fragrant ( 30 seconds ).
4. Stir in 1 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp caraway seeds. Cook for 1 minute . Trust me, this unlocks the flavour!
5. Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 large bay leaf . Simmer.
6. Return beef to the pot. Cover and simmer for 1. 5 hours . Or until beef is fall apart tender.
7. Add 1 lb potatoes and 1 large red bell pepper . Simmer another 30 minutes .
8. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Goulash Gold

Want to shortcut traditional goulash ? Browning the beef really adds flavour. Use Hungarian paprika if you can find it for that authentic taste.

A big mistake folks often make is not browning the beef enough! This quick goulash recipe becomes best goulash recipe following these tips.

For a one-pot goulash , make it a day ahead! The flavors develop overnight. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Garnish with parsley. And don't forget that crusty bread! Perfect for scooping up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy your goulash with potatoes !

Recipe Notes for Your Hearty Goulash

Alright, so you're ready to whip up this crazy delicious simple goulash recipe ? Awesome! Before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about some tips and tricks I've picked up along the way.

These are things I wish I'd known the first time I made it, honestly! This recipe delivers the best goulash recipe you will ever taste!

Level-Up Your Serving Game

Okay, so presentation matters, right? First off, get yourself some nice bowls. Trust me, it makes a difference! A swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top not only tastes amazing but looks pretty darn good too.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color. Oh, and don't forget the crusty bread for mopping up all that glorious sauce! I have to recommend it to be served with Spaetzle if you want the true culinary experience, but I understand that you may prefer egg noodles for your easy goulash recipe .

This one-pot goulash is a crowd pleaser.

Why not serve your Hungarian goulash recipe with a crisp side salad? It cuts through the richness like a charm.

As for drinks, a light bodied red wine is a classic choice, or even a cold beer works wonders!

Storage Like a Pro

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This beef goulash recipe tastes even better the next day, if you ask me. Just pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Wanna freeze it? Go for it! It'll be good for up to 3 months. Just make sure it's completely cool before freezing.

When reheating, low and slow is the key. You don't want to dry it out. I usually add a splash of beef broth if it seems a little thick.

Remix Your Goulash

Want to mix things up a bit? No prob! If you're watching your carbs, swap the potatoes for cauliflower. You won't even miss them, I promise! For a veggie version, use mushrooms instead of beef.

Honestly, it's surprisingly good! And, hey, in the autumn months, try using butternut squash for a sweeter twist. These comfort food recipes are flexible.

Nutrition Nuggets

This quick goulash recipe is packed with protein from the beef, which is great for muscle building. The tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants.

Just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you're using store-bought beef broth. Using low-sodium broth is a game changer! I'm sure that you will make the traditional goulash with beef chuck.

Look, this recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients into a pot. It's about creating something truly comforting and delicious. So, don't be afraid to get creative, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the process! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this simple goulash recipe in a slow cooker? I'm always looking for set-it-and-forget-it meals.

Absolutely! Slow cooking is perfect for goulash. Sear the beef as directed in the recipe, then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.

Just remember to add the potatoes and bell peppers in the last 1-2 hours of cooking, so they don't get mushy nobody wants sad, overcooked spuds!

My goulash tastes a little bland. What can I do to punch up the flavor?

Flavour's where it's at! First, make sure you're using good quality paprika; Hungarian paprika is the bee's knees. Also, a splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors. Don't be shy with the salt and pepper either season it like you mean it!

Some Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce are also great additions for a bit of depth or kick.

How long does goulash last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

Goulash is fantastic for meal prepping. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. And yes, it freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just like a fine wine, it almost tastes better the next day as the flavours meld together, the perfect leftovers!

I'm trying to cut down on carbs. Are there any substitutions I can make to this simple goulash recipe?

No worries, you can absolutely tweak the recipe to be lower in carbs. Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets or diced turnips. You could also add more bell peppers or other non-starchy vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to bulk it up.

Serve it as is or over a bed of mashed cauliflower for a satisfying and lower carb meal.

I don't have beef stew meat. Can I use something else for this simple goulash recipe?

No problem at all! Chuck roast is a great, readily available substitute, and it becomes wonderfully tender with long simmering. You can also use other cuts of beef suitable for stewing, like brisket or short ribs. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cooking. If you are short on beef, you can also use sausages!