Hearty Beef Goulash Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef, cut into small cubes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 large onions, roughly chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green, or to taste), sliced
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
- ยฝ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1ยฝ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 800 ml water
- 1 can (400 g) canned tomatoes
- 2 beef bouillon cubes (I used Maggi beef cubes)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Sour cream and fresh parsley or marjoram for garnish
Instructions:

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Prepare the Beef:
Begin by cutting the beef into small, uniform cubes. In a large bowl, season the beef with 2 teaspoons of salt, ยฝ teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Toss the beef to coat it evenly with the seasoning and flour. -
Brown the Beef:
Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil or olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside. -
Sautรฉ the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sautรฉ until they become translucent and start to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add the paprika, cayenne pepper, caraway seeds, and tomato paste. Cook this mixture for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the spices to release their flavors. -
Build the Base:
Gradually pour in the 800 ml of water, stirring to dissolve any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice), granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, beef bouillon cubes, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine. -
Simmer the Goulash:
Return the browned beef to the skillet, ensuring it is well submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Add the Bell Peppers:
Once the beef is tender, stir in the sliced bell peppers. Continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. -
Final Touches:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. -
Serve:
Ladle the goulash into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or marjoram.
This beef goulash is a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or noodles. Enjoy this classic recipe that’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger.