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Beef Goulash Recipe

Beef Goulash Recipe - Comfort Food Meals

Now, let’s take a culinary journey to explore beef goulash. Growing up, this dish was as common in our home as Sunday soccer games. The aroma of simmering beef and spices was unbeatable. You could practically hear the flavors mingling and dancing on the stovetop. In my house, the secret ingredient was love and a dash of patience. But what is goulash really? Why is it so beloved? Buckle up, because we’re going to stir up some delightful history, flavor profiles, and a delightful recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 345

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 700g stewing beef, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 30g plain all-purpose flour
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeds removed and sliced thinly
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and sliced thinly
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 75ml dry white wine
  • 300ml beef stock
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 150ml soured cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
  1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it's shimmering, add the beef pieces. Pat them dry with a towel before putting them in the pot. This helps achieve that beautiful, golden-brown crust we all love. Sear the beef for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Then, transfer the beef to a plate and sprinkle it lightly with flour. This will help thicken your stew later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In the same pot, toss in the sliced onions. Sauté them until they're translucent, around 5 minutes. Go ahead and add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell fantastic by now. Next, mix in the sliced bell peppers and cook for about 3-4 more minutes, allowing them to soften.
Step 3: Build Flavor
  1. Stir in the tomato paste and smoked paprika. These ingredients are the backbone of your goulash's flavor. Cook for another minute to release their aromatics before adding the chopped tomatoes. Stir well, then pour in the white wine, scraping any bits that cling to the bottom of the pot. Trust me, those bits are flavor gold.
Step 4: Combine Everything
  1. Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir. The goal is to blend all those flavors together! Let it come to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
  1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least an hour. The longer you let it cook, the more tender that beef becomes. Check occasionally, stirring, and add more stock if it looks too thick or if you're losing too much liquid. It should be a thick, saucy consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Once the beef is tender, it's time to serve your delicious goulash! Spoon it into bowls and top with a dollop of soured cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

Making beef goulash is straightforward, but here are some handy tips to elevate your dish:
  • Use quality beef: Choose chuck or similar cuts. They break down beautifully and infuse the dish with flavor.
  • Don’t rush the searing: A good sear on your beef adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate.
  • Fresh herbs before serving: Add fresh parsley right before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Adjust the spice: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
Double it: Goulash freezes well! Making a larger batch saves time for those busy nights.