Gulyas (Hungarian Goulash)
Hungarian Gulyas is a hearty, flavorful beef stew with paprika, vegetables, and smoky bacon, perfect for comforting meals and suited to fans of robust, traditional dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute bacon until crispy; remove from pan and set aside.
- Saute chopped onion in bacon grease until translucent; remove and set aside.
- Brown the cubed beef in the same pan.
- Return bacon and onion to the pot with the beef.
- Add paprika, salt, pepper, caraway seed, meat broth, white wine, and chopped green pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 2 hours.
- Add quartered potatoes and chopped carrots to the stew.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Thicken juices if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of beef broth and a splash of red wine instead of white. If you're short on time, you can substitute the potatoes with frozen hash browns for quicker cooking. Adjust the spices based on your heat preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve gulyas hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad to balance the rich flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a traditional dish like Bova Shaklet or a simple green vegetable for freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover gulyas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gulyas (Hungarian Goulash) contains roughly 952 calories, with 48g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), protein (95% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1724mg per serving (75% 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 a different type of meat for gulyas?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can use pork or even chicken for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will require less time to become tender.
Is it possible to make gulyas in a slow cooker?
Yes, gulyas can be made in a slow cooker. After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender.
What can I serve with gulyas?
Gulyas is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs well with rice, noodles, or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side of pickles or a fresh salad to cut through the richness of the stew.
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).