Hungarian Goulash is a hearty beef stew made with flavorful bell peppers, tomatoes, and the perfect blend of spices like paprika and caraway seeds. It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s great for cold days. You can enjoy it with rye bread or boiled potatoes for an authentic touch!

Why You’ll Love Hungarian Goulash

You’ll love this dish because it’s packed with flavor and very filling. The tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and spices make every bite delicious. It’s also a dish that gets better as it simmers, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. Whether you serve it with bread or potatoes, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredient Information and Substitutes

Oil: Helps to brown the beef and sauté the onions. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or butter.
Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the goulash. If you don’t have onions, shallots or leeks will work.
Beef chuck: The main protein in the dish, it becomes tender as it cooks. You can also use stewing beef or even pork if you prefer.
Garlic: Adds a rich flavor to the stew. Garlic powder can be used if you’re out of fresh garlic.
Paprika: Gives the goulash its signature flavor. You can use smoked paprika for a deeper taste.
Caraway seeds: Adds an earthy, slightly sweet flavor. If you don’t have caraway seeds, you can skip them or substitute with cumin seeds.
Water: Helps the stew simmer and blend the flavors together. You can substitute with beef broth for a richer taste.
Bell peppers: Adds a sweet and fresh crunch to the stew. Any color bell pepper will work.
Roma tomatoes: Gives the stew a tangy flavor. You can substitute with a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Jalapeno: Adds a little kick of spice. You can leave it out if you don’t want any heat or use a milder pepper.
Marjoram: A fragrant herb that adds a mild sweetness. Oregano is a good substitute.
Onion and parsley (for garnish): Adds color and a bit of freshness when served.

Cooking Tips and Advice

Brown the beef: Take your time browning the beef on all sides for extra flavor.
Use fresh paprika: Make sure your paprika is fresh for the best flavor. Old paprika can lose its punch.
Simmer slowly: Let the stew cook on low heat for at least 1-2 hours so the flavors can develop and the beef can become tender.
Adjust the spice level: If you like spicy food, add extra jalapeno or use a spicier pepper. If not, you can skip the jalapeno altogether.
Serve with something hearty: Rye bread or boiled potatoes are the perfect match for soaking up the rich sauce.

How to Serve Hungarian Goulash

Serve Hungarian Goulash hot in bowls, topped with a sprinkle of chopped onion and parsley for extra flavor. It’s perfect with a slice of rye bread to dip into the sauce or spooned over boiled potatoes for a satisfying meal. Some people like to serve it with pasta, but the traditional way is with bread or potatoes.

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