Pat'S Hungarian Goulash

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Hungarian

Hungarian Goulash is a hearty, flavorful stew featuring tender beef, sweet onions, and smoky paprika. Its rich, savory sauce is perfect for comforting dinners, easily customizable with vegetables like carrots or green beans. A satisfying dish that brings warm, bold flavors to any table.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. beef, cubed
  • 2 onions, minced
  • 1/4 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1 1/4 tsp. paprika
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 tsp. vinegar
  • 6 Tbsp. catsup or 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 3 Tbsp. flour

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef cubes in a large skillet or pot.
  2. Add minced onions and cook until translucent.
  3. Combine dry mustard, paprika, brown sugar, salt, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and catsup or tomato sauce, then add to the beef and onions.
  4. Add 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer.
  5. Cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the beef is tender.
  6. Mix flour with the remaining water to make a slurry.
  7. Add the slurry to the stew and stir well to thicken the sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth, consider using a mix of beef cuts such as chuck and brisket for the goulash. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne can be included. Instead of catsup, feel free to use crushed tomatoes for a fresher taste. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, similar to recipes like Hearty Steak And Kidney Pie.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the goulash over egg noodles or rice for a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a balanced dish. For a comforting twist, try serving with dumplings, echoing the flavors of French Oven Stew. A glass of red wine can elevate the dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the goulash on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pat'S Hungarian Goulash contains roughly 497 calories, with 5g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2045mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).

497 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.6g 9% DV
Total Fat 13.4g 17% DV
Carbs 86.7g 32% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 72.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2045.3mg 89% DV
Potassium 368.2mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 14.9mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32.4mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 2.2mg 2% DV
Calcium 101.8mg 8% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 chicken instead of beef for this goulash?

While traditional goulash uses beef, you can substitute chicken for a lighter version. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best results, and adjust cooking time to about 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is tender.

What can I serve with Hungarian goulash?

Hungarian goulash is versatile and pairs well with egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Can I make this goulash in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.

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).

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