What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade goulash recipe is a comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll love how it brings warmth to your table with just a few simple steps.
- It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your dinner.
- The hearty blend of tender beef, savory spices, and rich tomato sauce is a taste of home.
- Perfect for busy nights, it’s a dish that tastes even better the next day!
Recipe

Goulash is a hearty and flavorful stew that originated in Hungary. This classic dish features tender beef, onions, and paprika, simmered to perfection for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle paprika and caraway seeds over the beef, stirring to coat evenly.
- Add bell pepper, tomato paste, bay leaf, and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes:
- For a thicker consistency, let the goulash simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
- Serve with crusty bread, potatoes, or egg noodles.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 hours
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serving: 6
Nutrition
This homemade goulash recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade goulash with comforting breads like crusty rolls or garlic bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. A fresh side salad adds a nice, light contrast to the rich flavors, keeping the meal balanced. It’s a simple combo that always feels like home to me.
Comforting Breads
When you’ve got a steaming bowl of goulash in front of you, there’s nothing better than tearing into a warm, crusty piece of bread to soak up all that rich, savory goodness. I love pairing my goulash with a fresh baguette or a slice of sourdough—their chewy texture and tangy flavor complement the dish perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll even toast garlic bread for an extra kick of flavor. Soft, pillowy dinner rolls are another favorite of mine, especially when they’re brushed with butter. No matter what bread you choose, it’s the perfect partner for making every bite of goulash even more satisfying.
Fresh Side Salads
While bread’s a great match for goulash, sometimes you want something crisp and fresh to balance out all that hearty flavor. I love pairing it with a simple side salad—think crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. A light vinaigrette works wonders, letting the salad shine without overpowering the goulash. My go-to is a mix of romaine, red onion, and a sprinkle of parsley, tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It’s quick, revitalizing, and adds that perfect contrast to the rich, savory stew. Trust me, it’s a combo you’ll want to make again and again.








