What cut of beef is best for this dish?

Beef chuck is preferred for its marbling and tenderness after slow simmering, ensuring rich flavor and a tender texture.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can vary the amount of sweet and smoked paprika or add chili for heat to suit your taste preferences.

Thick slices of crusty bread, such as a rustic boule or baguette, perfectly complement the stew’s hearty sauce and soak up the flavors.

Caraway seeds add a traditional aromatic note but can be omitted if unavailable or unwanted without compromising overall taste.

Simmer the stew gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens, developing rich flavor depth.

Fresh diced tomatoes can be used, preferably ripe ones; however, canned tomatoes offer consistent acidity and sweetness beneficial for the stew.

A rich, comforting Hungarian-inspired beef stew, simmered to golden perfection and served with warm, crusty bread for a hearty meal.

This cozy beef goulash has become a family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings and effortless dinners.

Beef: 800 g (1.75 lbs) beef chuck, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes
Vegetables: 2 large onions, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 medium carrots, sliced, 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced, 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp sweet paprika, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional), 2 bay leaves, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
Liquids: 750 ml (3 cups) beef broth, 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For Serving: 1 loaf crusty bread

Step 1:: Heat the oil in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2:: Add onions and carrots to the same pot. Sauté for 6 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden.
Step 3:: Stir in garlic, both paprikas, caraway seeds (if using), and bay leaves. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4:: Return the beef to the pot. Add the bell pepper, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 5:: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 6:: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Step 7:: Serve hot, ladled into bowls, accompanied by thick slices of crusty bread.

This dish always brings everyone together at the table, creating warm memories with each delicious bite.

Per serving: 550 calories, 20 g total fat, 47 g carbohydrates, 44 g protein.

Contains gluten from bread. Goulash itself is dairy free.

Large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, sharp knife, cutting board, ladle.

Enjoy this hearty beef goulash with crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal any day of the week.

→ What cut of beef is best for this dish?: Beef chuck is preferred for its marbling and tenderness after slow simmering, ensuring rich flavor and a tender texture.
→ Can I adjust the spice level?: Yes, you can vary the amount of sweet and smoked paprika or add chili for heat to suit your taste preferences.
→ What bread pairs well with this stew?: Thick slices of crusty bread, such as a rustic boule or baguette, perfectly complement the stew’s hearty sauce and soak up the flavors.
→ Is it necessary to use caraway seeds?: Caraway seeds add a traditional aromatic note but can be omitted if unavailable or unwanted without compromising overall taste.
→ How long should the stew simmer?: Simmer the stew gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens, developing rich flavor depth.
→ Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?: Fresh diced tomatoes can be used, preferably ripe ones; however, canned tomatoes offer consistent acidity and sweetness beneficial for the stew.