Classic Spaghetti Basta Recipe for Beginners

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate destination for culinary inspiration and detailed, high-quality recipes that bring comfort, flavor, and authenticity to your kitchen. Today, we delve into a hearty, soul-warming dish that embodies the rustic charm of Alpine cuisine—an Alpine Beef Goulash with Noodles. This dish is more than just a stew; it’s a celebration of slow-cooked tenderness, rich flavors, and comforting textures that make it perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or any occasion where you desire a satisfying meal that warms the heart and soul.

Originating from the traditional culinary landscapes of the Alpine regions, this goulash blends European influences into a dish that’s both robust and refined. The tender chunks of beef simmer slowly in a savory tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices and seasonings, creating a depth of flavor that’s truly unforgettable. Paired with buttery, hot noodles and finished with a dollop of creamy sour cream, this recipe offers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that appeal to both classic and modern palates.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you master the art of making Alpine Beef Goulash with Noodles, from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting each step of the cooking process. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe will equip you with all the tips, tricks, and insights needed to achieve a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Remember, this recipe is brought to you by Love With Recipes, a platform dedicated to sharing love, passion, and culinary excellence with food enthusiasts worldwide.

Time

Preparation Time

30 minutes. During this time, you’ll prepare all your ingredients, including chopping vegetables and seasoning the beef for browning. Proper preparation ensures a smooth cooking process and optimal flavor development.

Cooking Time

2 hours 30 minutes. The slow simmer allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, hearty stew.

Total Time

Approximately 3 hours. This includes prep and cooking time, making it ideal for a leisurely weekend meal or a special dinner where you can relax and enjoy the process.

Needed Equipment

• Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for even heat distribution and slow simmering, ensuring the beef becomes tender and flavors meld perfectly.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For chopping beef, onions, garlic, and other vegetables precisely.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for all your chopping needs.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurement of ingredients such as tomato sauce, spices, and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the stew without damaging the cookware.
• Strainer or Colander: For cooking and draining the noodles efficiently.
• Cooking Pot for Noodles: A separate pot to prepare the buttered noodles.
• Stove or Cooktop: For simmering the goulash and boiling the noodles.
• Measuring Scale (Optional): For precise weight measurement of ingredients like beef or spices, especially if you prefer weight accuracy.
• Serving Utensils: Ladles, spoons, and tongs for serving the dish and noodles.
• Optional: Food Thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the beef if desired, ensuring safety and doneness.

Tags

Hearty, Comfort Food, European Cuisine, Slow Cooker, Traditional, Family Friendly, Winter Recipes, Dinner, Stew, Noodles

Serving Size

Serves approximately 6-8 generous portions, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. Each serving is approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of stew paired with a serving of noodles.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate. While the recipe involves slow simmering and careful seasoning, it is straightforward and suitable for home cooks with some experience in stovetop cooking and stew preparation.

Allergen Information

• Dairy: Contains sour cream and buttered noodles.
• Wheat/Gluten: Noodles are typically made from wheat; suitable gluten-free options can be used as substitutes.
• Nightshade Vegetables: Contains tomato sauce and paprika.

Dietary Preference

This recipe is suitable for omnivorous diets. To adapt for specific dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Replace traditional noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
• Keto/Low-Carb: Use spiralized vegetables or cauliflower rice instead of noodles.
• Vegetarian: Substitute beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or plant-based meat alternatives, and adjust seasonings accordingly.

Course

Main Course

Cuisine

European, Alpine, Central European

Ingredients

Instructions

Preparing the Beef

Begin by selecting high-quality beef suitable for slow braising. Boneless round steak or beef chuck roast are ideal choices because of their marbling and connective tissue, which break down during long cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Before cooking, take the beef out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature—about 15-20 minutes—this ensures even cooking and better searing.

Once at room temperature, cut the beef into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Uniform pieces promote even cooking and presentation. Pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear. Excess moisture can cause steaming rather than browning, so ensure your beef is dry before proceeding.

Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. When the oil shimmers, add the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear each batch for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs or a slotted spoon. You’re aiming for a rich, golden-brown crust that locks in juices and adds depth of flavor to the final dish.

Once all the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set aside. Lower the heat to medium, then add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base for your goulash. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—these are packed with flavor and will incorporate into your sauce, enhancing its richness.

Seasoning and Simmering

Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce, ensuring the meat is partially submerged. Stir in the brown sugar, paprika, salt, caraway seed, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. These seasonings are fundamental to achieving that authentic Alpine goulash flavor profile—earthy, smoky, slightly sweet, and savory.

Mix thoroughly so that every piece of beef is coated with the seasoned tomato sauce. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the stew simmer gently. This slow cooking process is crucial; it allows the beef to break down connective tissues, become melt-in-your-mouth tender, and for the flavors to meld seamlessly. Maintain a gentle simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent boiling or scorching.

After approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, check the stew. The beef should be fork-tender, and the sauce should be thickened slightly, clinging to the meat. If the sauce appears too thin, uncover the pot and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce and intensify the flavors. Conversely, if the stew is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it slightly, then simmer briefly.

Finishing Touches

Just before serving, incorporate the sour cream to add creaminess and balance to the dish. Gently stir it into the hot stew, ensuring it doesn’t boil vigorously—doing so can cause curdling. The sour cream will temper the acidity of the tomato sauce and create a velvety, luxurious texture.

While the goulash is finishing, prepare your buttered noodles. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and toss with melted butter, a pinch of salt, and optionally, some chopped parsley or chives for added flavor.

To serve, ladle generous portions of the beef goulash over the hot noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty bread and a glass of robust red wine if desired. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this traditional Alpine dish.

Preparation Tips

• Use Quality Meat: Opt for well-marbled beef cuts for maximum tenderness and flavor. If possible, ask your butcher for suitable stew meat or boneless beef chuck.
• Pre-seasoning: Consider marinating the beef in a bit of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices for a few hours before cooking to enhance flavor.
• Searing Technique: Do not skip the searing step—it’s essential for developing the depth of flavor. Use high heat, but avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming rather than browning.
• Layered Flavors: Building flavor through sautéing onions and garlic before adding liquids ensures a fragrant base. Incorporating browned bits from the bottom of the pot (fond) adds richness.
• Slow Simmer: Patience is key; a low and slow simmer yields tender beef and well-developed flavors. Resist the urge to turn up the heat, as this can toughen the meat and diminish the dish’s delicacy.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices towards the end of cooking to ensure the flavor balance is perfect.
• Final Creaminess: Always add sour cream off the heat to prevent curdling, and stir gently to incorporate evenly.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Make it a Day Ahead: This goulash benefits from resting overnight, which allows flavors to deepen. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
• Use a Slow Cooker: For hands-off cooking, transfer browned beef and sautéed onions into a slow cooker. Add seasonings and cook on low for 6-8 hours for equally tender results.
• Enhance with Vegetables: Add diced carrots, parsnips, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for added flavor and nutritional value.
• Adjust Spices: For a smoky flavor, increase paprika or add smoked paprika. For a hint of heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Experiment with Noodles: Try different pasta shapes such as pappardelle or wide egg noodles for a more authentic presentation.

Add-ons

• Cheese Topping: Grate Parmesan, Gruyère, or sharp cheddar over the finished dish for a cheesy twist.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley, chives, or dill add brightness to the dish.
• Pickles and Sauerkraut: Serve on the side for a tangy contrast that complements the rich goulash.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: Warm baguette or rustic sourdough perfect for mopping up sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens with vinaigrette provide a fresh counterbalance.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or root vegetables roasted with herbs for added flavor.
• Pickled Vegetables: Adds acidity and texture contrast.

Improvements

• Enhanced Depth of Flavor: Incorporate a splash of red wine during simmering for added richness.
• Spice Variations: Experiment with different spice blends such as cumin, coriander, or a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Use hearty vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of cornstarch or flour near the end of cooking and simmer until thickened.

Save and Store

Allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely. This goulash actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Prepare, cool, and refrigerate overnight. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Can I substitute beef with other proteins?

Yes, chicken thighs or pork shoulder can be used, but cooking times will vary. For a vegetarian version, use hearty vegetables or plant-based protein sources.

Is this dish spicy?

Traditionally, no. However, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase heat level to your preference.

What if I don’t have caraway seeds?

You can omit them or substitute with fennel seeds for a similar anise-like flavor. Alternatively, a pinch of cumin can add earthiness.

Conclusion

Indulge in the comforting embrace of Alpine Beef Goulash with Noodles—a dish that combines tender, slow-cooked beef, aromatic spices, and creamy sour cream, all served over buttery noodles. This recipe exemplifies the essence of hearty European stews, perfect for sharing with loved ones on cold evenings or any time you crave a flavorful, satisfying meal. With meticulous preparation and patience, you’ll craft a dish that’s rich in tradition and bursting with flavor. Remember to tailor the seasonings and accompaniments to your taste, and don’t hesitate to add your personal touch to this timeless classic. For more inspired recipes like this one, visit Love With Recipes, where culinary love and expertise come together to elevate your home cooking experience.

References

• European Stew Classics — Culinary Heritage Institute
• Traditional Alpine Cuisine — The World Food Encyclopedia