Hungarian Goulash
Hungarian Goulash is a hearty and flavorful stew that brings together tender beef, aromatic onions, and a rich blend of spices. The combination of paprika and Worcestershire sauce creates a deep, savory profile that perfectly complements the dish. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it's sure to satisfy any appetite.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef for stew, cubed ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c. shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 3/4 c. catsup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- dash of cayenne red pepper
- 1/4 c. cold water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir beef, onion, and garlic in shortening until beef is brown; drain.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups water, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, paprika, mustard, and red pepper.
- Heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer until beef is tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
- Can also put in crock-pot on low for 8 to 9 hours.
- Shake 1/4 cup cold water and flour in a tightly covered container. Stir gradually into beef mixture.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Serve over hot noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with vegetable oil or butter. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste; adding more paprika can enhance the color and flavor. For a thicker sauce, increase the flour gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hungarian Goulash over hot noodles for a comforting meal. It pairs excellently with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete dinner. For a twist, try serving it alongside a dollop of sour cream or fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation. This dish also complements well with a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hungarian Goulash contains roughly 872 calories, with 22g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1674mg per serving (73% 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 cut of beef?
Yes, while stew beef is recommended for its tenderness after long cooking, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or brisket. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized cubes to cook evenly. Adjust the cooking time if necessary, as some cuts may require longer to become tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or even tempeh for a meat-free option. Use vegetable broth instead of water and adjust the spices to maintain the robust flavors of goulash.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne red pepper or add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).