Go Back
A close-up view of a hearty bowl of rich, brown Authentic Hungarian Goulash, featuring large, tender cubes of beef, slices of orange carrots, and chunks of golden potatoes, topped with a sprinkle of fresh green parsley.

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

A rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful traditional Hungarian beef goulash made with sweet paprika, tender beef, and slow-simmered vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Stew
Cuisine: Hungarian
Calories: 365
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Goulash Base
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 2 onions finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 pounds beef chuck cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds crushed
  • 2 large carrots sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes diced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 tomato chopped
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

  1. Heat sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and soft.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and crushed caraway seeds to coat the beef.
  5. Return pot to medium heat. Add tomato and bell pepper; cook for 3 minutes.
  6. Pour in beef broth, add salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Cook another 30–35 minutes until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
  9. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For deeper flavor, use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika and do not skip browning the beef.