Description
This Mouthwatering German Goulash is the ultimate in cozy comfort food. Tender chunks of beef are slow-simmered in a rich, paprika-spiced sauce until melt-in-your-mouth perfection. It’s a hearty, flavorful stew perfect for chilly nights, Sunday dinners, or when you’re craving classic European flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a make-ahead meal, or just want to warm up with a healthy, protein-rich dish, this easy recipe fits the bill. Serve it over mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or egg noodles for a satisfying finish.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
2 large yellow onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons oil (for browning)
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and bell pepper; cook another 2 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste until it darkens slightly. Add paprika and optional caraway seeds, stirring to coat vegetables.
4. Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth and deglaze the pot by scraping up brown bits. Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.
6. Adjust seasoning if needed. Discard bay leaves. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or crusty bread.
Notes
For extra depth, use a mix of sweet and smoked paprika.
If your sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered in the last 20 minutes.
Tastes even better the next day after flavors meld in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: german goulash, beef goulash, easy dinner, cozy comfort food, stew recipes