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Old Fashioned Goulash

Old Fashioned Goulash
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Old Fashioned Goulash is a classic, hearty stew featuring tender beef chunks, savory onions, and a richly flavored paprika-spiced sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for warming up on chilly evenings and is beloved across generations for its simplicity, bold flavors, and soul-soothing qualities. Easily adaptable and made mostly in one pot, it pairs wonderfully with noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 medium bell peppers, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil or lard

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat cooking oil or lard in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides until they develop a rich, caramelized crust. This step seals in flavor and forms the base for the sauce.
  2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Remove the browned beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  3. Add Paprika and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle the sweet paprika over the onions and stir vigorously to release its flavor without burning. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the sauce’s richness.
  4. Combine Ingredients and Add Broth: Return the beef to the pot and add the chopped bell peppers. Pour in the beef broth until the ingredients are just covered. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and let the goulash simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef and melds all flavors into a hearty stew.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the flour with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering goulash and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • Use well-marbled beef chuck or stew meat for the best tenderness and flavor.
  • Take your time browning the meat to build deeper, more complex flavors.
  • Fresh, high-quality sweet paprika is key to avoid any bitterness and to achieve the authentic smoky taste.
  • Simmer the goulash on low heat for a long time to ensure the meat becomes tender and the flavors meld perfectly.
  • Add the flour slurry gradually to avoid making the sauce overly thick or gluey.

Nutrition

Keywords: goulash, old fashioned goulash, beef stew, Hungarian goulash, paprika stew, comfort food, one pot meal

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/old-fashioned-goulash/