Goulash Recipe

Beef Goulash is a rich, comforting one-pot meal made with tender beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, paprika, broth, and simple herbs. It has deep savory flavor, a warm red sauce, and enough body to feel satisfying without being complicated.

This Beef Goulash is ideal for chilly evenings, family dinners, meal prep, or weekends when you want a slow-simmered dish that tastes even better after resting. Serve it with noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every spoonful of the flavorful sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ingredients For the Goulash Base

• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, lightly crushed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram or oregano
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, optional

For Serving

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Sour cream, optional
• Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Goulash is the kind of meal that rewards slow cooking with tender meat and a deeply flavored sauce. The onions soften into the broth, the paprika adds warmth and color, and the beef becomes fork-tender after a gentle simmer.

Another reason to love Beef Goulash is its flexibility. Serve it as a thick stew, spoon it over noodles, or add extra broth for a looser consistency. Leftovers also reheat beautifully.

How to Make Beef Goulash

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels, then season with salt and black pepper.

Drying the meat helps it brown rather than steam. Browning creates extra flavor that will later blend into the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.

Add half of the beef in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate, add the remaining oil, and brown the rest of the meat.

Work in batches so the pan does not become overcrowded.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the diced onions to the same pot and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and lightly golden.

The onions are an important part of Beef Goulash because they naturally thicken the sauce and add sweetness as they cook.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds.

Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Paprika can become bitter if scorched, so keep the heat moderate and move quickly to the next step.

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Cooking the paste briefly deepens its flavor and removes some of its raw acidity.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce if using, bay leaf, and marjoram.

Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.

Return the beef and any juices from the plate to the pot.

Bring Beef Goulash to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 7: Simmer Slowly

Cover the pot partially and simmer for about 60 minutes.

Stir occasionally and check that the liquid is only bubbling gently.

A slow simmer gives Beef Goulash enough time to tenderize the beef while keeping the sauce smooth and rich.

Step 8: Add the Vegetables

Add the chopped bell pepper, carrots, and potatoes.

Stir well, cover partially again, and continue simmering for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of broth.

Step 9: Adjust the Seasoning

Remove the bay leaf.

Taste the sauce and add extra salt, black pepper, or paprika if needed.

For a deeper savory flavor, you can add a small splash of Worcestershire sauce or an extra spoonful of tomato paste.

Step 10: Rest Before Serving

Turn off the heat and let the pot rest for 10 minutes.

This short resting period allows Beef Goulash to settle and gives the sauce a slightly thicker consistency.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the goulash into bowls or spoon it over noodles or mashed potatoes.

Finish with chopped parsley and a small spoonful of sour cream if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Beef Goulash can be served in several comforting ways.

For a traditional-style meal, spoon it over buttered egg noodles, dumplings, or mashed potatoes so they can soak up the rich paprika sauce.

For a simpler dinner, serve Beef Goulash with crusty bread and a cucumber salad or lightly dressed green salad.

You can also pair it with roasted cabbage, steamed green beans, or pickled vegetables for a little contrast.

For another hearty comfort-food dinner, try our Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole with beef, cabbage, rice, tomatoes, and savory herbs.

Recipe Tips

Choose beef chuck because it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.

Cut the beef into similar-size cubes so it cooks evenly.

Brown the meat in batches to build better flavor.

Use good-quality paprika because it is one of the main flavors in the dish.

Do not let paprika burn after adding it to the pot.

Keep the simmer gentle rather than boiling aggressively.

For thicker Beef Goulash, simmer uncovered for the final 10 to 15 minutes.

For a thinner stew, add extra beef broth near the end of cooking.

Let the finished dish rest before serving for the best texture.

Easy Variations

Beef Goulash can be adjusted depending on the ingredients you have.

For a spicier version, add hot paprika, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes.

For extra vegetables, add mushrooms, celery, parsnips, or green beans.

You can leave out the potatoes and serve the stew over noodles instead.

For a richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of sour cream after the pot is removed from the heat.

If you prefer a soupier version, add another cup of beef broth and reduce the cooking time slightly once the vegetables are tender.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Beef Goulash is an excellent make-ahead recipe because the flavors become even deeper after a night in the refrigerator.

Prepare the recipe completely, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Beef Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming, stirring occasionally.

Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals.

For longer storage, freeze the cooled goulash for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 430
Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 680 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the beef, broth, vegetables, and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef works best?

Beef chuck is ideal because it contains enough connective tissue to become tender and flavorful during slow simmering.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.

Can I make it without potatoes?

Yes. Beef Goulash can be made without potatoes and served over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes instead.

Why is my beef still tough?

It usually needs more time. Continue simmering gently until the meat becomes fork-tender.

Can I use ground beef?

You can, although the result will be more like an American-style goulash than a traditional beef stew.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered near the end of cooking, or mash a few potato pieces into the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Beef Goulash is a hearty one-pot meal that combines tender beef, paprika, onions, tomatoes, and vegetables in a rich savory sauce.

Because Beef Goulash reheats well and can be made ahead, it is a practical choice for family dinners, meal prep, and cold-weather comfort food.

Keep this Beef Goulash recipe handy whenever you want a warm, filling meal with deep flavor and simple ingredients. Serve Beef Goulash with noodles, bread, potatoes, or your favorite vegetables for a satisfying homemade dinner.

If you enjoy easy high-protein meals, you may also like our Chicken Pizza Crust with a cheesy chicken base and your favorite pizza toppings.