Goulash is a rich, hearty dish with roots in Hungary, but its variations have spread worldwide. Whether you’re seeking the deep flavors of a Hungarian goulash recipe or prefer the simplicity of American goulash, this guide will walk you through crafting the best goulash recipe ever.
We’ll cover the traditional recipe and an easy goulash that you can whip up even on a busy weeknight.
What is Goulash?
Goulash is a stew or soup made with beef, vegetables, and a generous amount of paprika. The beef goulash recipe is the most common, though variations using pork or even a vegetarian take may also be found. In Hungary, the dish is known as “gulyás,” deeply tied to the country’s cultural and culinary history.
Hungarian goulash recipes traditionally blend onions, garlic, and spices like paprika, giving the dish its signature smoky warmth. It’s also generally prepared as more of a soup (liquidy) than the American version, which is more of a stew-like (thicker) consistency. You can adjust the recipe to your taste by adding more broth or flour to thin or thicken the dish as you like.
American goulash, on the other hand, takes a slightly different route. This version often includes ground beef, elbow macaroni, and tomatoes, offering a simplified and less time-consuming take on the traditional dish.
Despite these differences, both versions are loved for their comforting, homey flavors.
Ingredients for Traditional Goulash
For a traditional goulash recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs of beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 large onions, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of sweet Hungarian paprika (paid ad) (pricier, but so worth it is Penzey’s Hungarian paprika (paid ad))
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 3 cups of beef broth
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 large potatoes, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper (paid ad) to taste (requires a grinder (paid ad), but the best pepper I’ve ever tasted!)
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make the Best Goulash Recipe Ever
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they’re translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Brown the beef: Add the cubed beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors in your beef goulash recipe.
- Add the spices and tomato paste: Stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika and tomato paste, allowing the spices to coat the beef and onions. Cook for another minute to toast the paprika.
- Add the broth and vegetables: Pour the beef broth into the pot, then add the carrots, potatoes, and red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Once everything is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve your Hungarian goulash recipe with crusty bread or over noodles.
For another flavorful international dish, don’t miss our Zesty Greek Chicken Bake: The Perfect Mediterranean Diet Recipe—packed with fresh and vibrant ingredients!
Easy Goulash Recipe (American Style)
The American goulash recipe might suit you if you want a quicker, more approachable version. This one-pot meal uses ground beef and pasta and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 2 cups of elbow macaroni
- 2 cups of beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon of paprika (paid ad) (smoked Spanish paprika)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, paprika, beef broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
- Simmer until done: Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with cheese: Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve hot.
A Comforting Classic for Any Kitchen
Whether you’re a fan of the traditional goulash recipe or prefer the simplicity of an easy goulash recipe like the American version, this dish is sure to satisfy. The rich flavors of paprika and slow-cooked beef make the best goulash recipe ever and a family favorite. Try both versions to see which one becomes your go-to comfort food!
Complete your meal with a sweet and comforting dessert by trying our Classic Comfort Bread Pudding Recipe—a classic treat everyone will love!