Real Hungarian Goulash Cook's Illustrated

Experience the authentic flavors of Central Europe with "Real Hungarian Goulash Cook's Illustrated," a rich and hearty Hungarian classic that combines tender chunks of beef chuck with a medley of earthy vegetables and aromatic spices. This slow-simmered, one-pot meal is elevated by the vibrant depth of sweet Hungarian paprika and the distinct nuttiness of crushed caraway seeds, creating a deeply satisfying dish. The recipe highlights a careful balance of textures, from melt-in-your-mouth beef to perfectly tender potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, all brought together in a luscious, savory broth. Ideal for cold-weather comfort, this goulash pairs beautifully with crusty bread or can be enjoyed on its own. With step-by-step instructions and ingredients easily sourced from your pantry, this recipe is your gateway to mastering authentic Hungarian cuisine. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a flavorful crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck or shin (cubed)
• 3 tablespoons sunflower oil (or vegetable oil)
• 3 large onions (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (lightly crushed)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef stock
• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 3 medium carrots (sliced into rounds)
• 1 medium parsnip (sliced into rounds)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the sunflower oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the cubed beef to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until well-browned on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika to coat the beef evenly, ensuring it does not burn. Add the caraway seeds and tomato paste, mixing well.

Step 6

Return the pot to medium heat and pour in the beef stock. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, releasing any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 7

Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

After 60 minutes, add the potatoes, carrots, parsnip, and green bell pepper to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 40-50 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. If the goulash is too thick, add a little more beef stock or water to adjust the consistency.

Step 10

Serve the goulash hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. It can be enjoyed on its own or with warm crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3426.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3634.0

Total Fat 230.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 725.7mg	0%
Sodium 9098.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 221.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.4g	0%
Total Sugars 45.7g
Protein 211.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 503.3mg	0%
Iron 39.8mg	0%
Potassium 7538.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.5%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 23.3%