Mom'S Hungarian Goulash With Egg Noodles(6 To 8 Servings)
Hearty Hungarian goulash with tender beef, mushrooms, and smoky spices, served over egg noodles with a touch of sour cream for richness—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean round or chuck steak ⓘ
- 1 large or 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 1 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup or more sour cream ⓘ
- 1 package thick/wide goulash egg noodles ⓘ
- Poppy seed or paprika (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup red wine ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/8 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a Dutch oven; drain and crumble bacon, then set aside.
- Saute chopped onion in bacon drippings; drain on paper towels.
- Brown meat cut into 1-inch cubes in the bacon fat; drain excess fat.
- Add red wine, water, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar to the meat in the pot.
- Add dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Cover tightly and cook over low heat for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or cook in a crock-pot for about 8 hours.
- Fifteen to twenty minutes before serving, boil egg noodles in another pot; drain and set aside.
- Stir 1/2 cup sour cream into the sauce; adjust quantity as desired.
- Serve goulash over noodles, sprinkle with poppy seed or paprika if desired, and toss to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the other liquids. If you're short on time, pre-cut beef or even diced turkey can be used as substitutes. For a creamier sauce, you can replace some sour cream with Greek yogurt. Additionally, use leftover bacon fat for frying the onions for enhanced taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the goulash over egg noodles for a comforting meal. A side salad or Hungarian Cabbage And Noodles makes a great accompaniment. For a festive touch, pair with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce. A glass of red wine complements the flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's stored in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Hungarian Goulash With Egg Noodles(6 To 8 Servings) contains roughly 412 calories, with 23g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% 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 make this goulash ahead of time?
Yes, this goulash can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after sitting overnight. Simply reheat it gently before serving and adjust the consistency with a little water or broth if necessary.
What type of beef is best for goulash?
Lean cuts like round or chuck steak work well for goulash because they become tender during the long cooking process. You can also use stew meat or even a combination of beef and pork for added flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mix. Alternatively, serve with a side of spicy pickles or hot paprika for those who enjoy a kick in their meal.
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).