Name: Beef Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-497867H12M39S
Total time: PT-497867H12M39S
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 700 g (1.5 lb) Diced beef; 1 Onion, peeled and chopped; 4 Cloves garlic, peeled and crushed; 400 g (14.5 oz) Tinned tomatoes; 2 tbsp Tomato puree; 2 Beef stock cubes (no need to dilute); 1 tbsp Paprika; 2 tbsp Sweet smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 Red peppers, deseeded and thinly sliced

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If you are craving a truly comforting and flavorful dish that warms your soul from the inside out, this Beef Goulash Recipe is an absolute must-try. This Hungarian-inspired stew brings together tender chunks of beef slowly cooked with aromatic garlic, onions, and a rich blend of sweet and smoked paprika, all simmering in a luscious tomato base. The addition of vibrant red peppers toward the end keeps the texture fresh and lively, while the hearty sauce covers every bite with deep, smoky warmth. Whether you opt for slow cooking or oven cooking, this goulash makes for a satisfying and unforgettable meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a close-up view inside a white bowl, there are multiple layers of food ingredients. The bottom layer shows small white grain pieces in one corner. Next to it are bright red sauce with a thick texture, covering part of the bowl surface. On the right side, there are several chunks of red raw meat with some black seasoning sprinkled on top. Several clumps of brown powder are scattered on top of the red sauce and meat, creating a rough texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a special role in layering textures, flavors, and vibrant colors. From the tender beef that melts in your mouth to the smoky paprika that defines the character of the stew, every element comes together seamlessly for a rich, comforting experience.

Diced beef (700 g / 1.5 lb): Choose casserole beef or stewing steak for perfect tenderness without needing to brown it first.
Onion (1, peeled and chopped): Adds a natural sweetness and depth once softened.
Garlic cloves (4, peeled and crushed): Infuses subtle, aromatic flavor complexity.
Tinned tomatoes (400 g / 14.5 oz): Provide a rich, tangy base that balances the smoky spices.
Tomato puree (2 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor for a robust stew.
Beef stock cubes (2, undiluted): Boosts the meaty, savory essence of the dish.
Paprika (1 tbsp): Brings a sweet peppery warmth fundamental to goulash.
Sweet smoked paprika (2 tbsp): Adds smoky depth that transforms classic stew flavors.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Red peppers (2, deseeded and thinly sliced): Added near the end for freshness and a pop of bright color.

How to Make Beef Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by chopping your onion and crushing the garlic cloves to release their wonderful aroma. Slice your red peppers thinly but hold them aside — they will join the pot later to keep their vibrant texture and flavor.

Step 2: Combine and Slow Cook

Place the diced beef, chopped onion, crushed garlic, tinned tomatoes, tomato puree, beef stock cubes, paprika, sweet smoked paprika, and seasoning into your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to blend the spices and ingredients. Set the cooker on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the sauce to thicken beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Peppers

When your beef is tender and rich, stir in the thinly sliced red peppers and cook for an additional 45 to 60 minutes on HIGH. This prevents the peppers from becoming overly soft and preserves their freshness. If you prefer, the peppers can be added earlier or even microwaved separately and folded in last minute.

Step 4: Alternative Oven Cooking Method

If slow cooking isn’t your thing, you can make this Beef Goulash Recipe in the oven. Combine all slow-cook ingredients in a lidded ovenproof pan and cook at 160℃ fan/180℃/Gas Mark 4/320°F for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Stir once after the first hour, adding a splash of water if the sauce appears to dry out. Add the peppers toward the end, just like with the slow cooker method.

How to Serve Beef Goulash Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a thick, dark brown sauce that has a rich, slightly chunky texture. On top of the sauce, there are thin, bright red slices of bell pepper scattered unevenly, creating a vivid contrast with the dark sauce underneath. The bowl is set against a white marbled surface, and there is a light reddish-brown residue around the inner edge of the bowl, showing some cooking marks. The red pepper strips look fresh and slightly glossy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley lift the dish with creamy coolness and a pop of green. These garnishes bring brightness that contrasts beautifully with the deep, smoky sauce.

Side Dishes

This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with traditional mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or cooked orzo. For a less conventional but equally delicious twist, crusty bread makes the perfect choice to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your beef goulash over creamy polenta or with buttered spaetzle to create a Central European feast. Adding a fresh side salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds crunch to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Beef Goulash Recipe will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the lovely texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and bring it back to a warm, comforting temperature.

FAQs

Can I brown the beef before adding it?

While browning beef adds an extra layer of flavor in some recipes, it’s not necessary for this Beef Goulash Recipe. The slow cooking process gently tenderizes the meat and builds flavor perfectly without that extra step.

What type of paprika should I use?

It’s best to use a combination of sweet paprika for warmth and sweetness, along with sweet smoked paprika for a lovely smoky depth. Avoid hot or spicy paprika unless you want a spicier dish.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tinned?

While fresh tomatoes can work, tinned tomatoes tend to provide a more consistent acidity and texture that’s ideal for slow-cooked dishes like this goulash. If using fresh, choose ripe tomatoes and cook them down thoroughly for the best results.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This Beef Goulash Recipe freezes really well. Just be sure to cool it fully before placing it in freezer-safe containers and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.

Can I adjust the spiciness?

Yes! This recipe is quite mild and focuses on sweet and smoky flavors. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper along with the paprika to give the stew a gentle kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Beef Goulash Recipe. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and enjoy the cozy warmth it brings. Whether it’s a midweek treat or a weekend comfort meal, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a go — it might just become your new favorite stew!

Beef Goulash Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need