Czechoslovakian Goulash
Czechoslovakian Goulash offers rich, smoky flavors with tender beef and vibrant peppers, perfect for hearty, comforting meals enjoyed with crusty sourdough bread.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 medium white onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp paprika ⓘ
- 2.5 lb beef rump, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, cubed
- 1 green pepper, cubed ⓘ
- 28 oz canned tomatoes, with liquid ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, cut into small chunks ⓘ
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed ⓘ
- black pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- dash of marjoram ⓘ
- freshly chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large stew pot, add sliced onion and minced garlic, and cook until tender but not brown.
- Add 2 tablespoons of paprika, blend, and cook for a few minutes on low heat.
- Add beef cubes, brown on medium heat, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Add a dash of marjoram and bay leaves.
- Cook on medium heat for a few minutes. Add canned tomatoes with liquid, red and green peppers, and celery chunks.
- Cover tightly and cook over low heat for about 1 hour, adding 1/2 cup of water if needed.
- When the meat is tender, add cubed potatoes and about 4 to 5 cups of warm water.
- Cover and cook until potatoes are soft.
- Check and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using beef chuck instead of rump, as it becomes more tender during cooking. If you're out of marjoram, dried oregano can be a suitable substitute. To reduce cooking time, you may use a pressure cooker. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Czechoslovakian Goulash with crusty bread or over egg noodles for a hearty meal. A side of pickled vegetables or a simple green salad complements the richness of the stew beautifully. For added flavor, a dollop of sour cream on top can enhance the dish, echoing the flavors found in German Beef Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently simmer on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Czechoslovakian Goulash contains roughly 855 calories, with 43g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (264% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (210% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 670mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat for this goulash?
Yes, you can substitute other cuts of beef like brisket or even use pork for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the meat's tenderness.
How can I make this goulash spicier?
To add heat, include a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the cooking process. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick.
Is there a vegetarian version of this goulash?
Absolutely! You can replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth, and follow the same cooking method for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).