How To Feed A Loon

  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Asian
    • Breads and Doughs
    • Cajun / Creole / Louisiana
    • Breakfast / Brunch
    • Comfort Food
    • Delectable Desserts
    • Entrees / Mains
    • Instant Pot
    • Italian
    • Pizza
    • Rubs, Spices and Sauces
    • Soups & Salads
    • Sides
    • Seafood
    • Southern
    • Mexican / Tex-Mex / Cal-Mex
    • Thanksgiving
    • Vegetarian
  • Videos
    • Recipe Videos
    • Web Stories
  • Work With Us
  • Contact
  • **Premium Access**
  • Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Summer Favorites
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Premium
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Summer Favorites
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Premium
×
Home » Recipe Index » Soups & Salads

Hungarian Goulash

Published: Oct 15, 2023 · Modified: Mar 2, 2025 by Kris Longwell · This post may contain affiliate links

223 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Bluesky
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
A straight-on view of two bowls of Hungarian goulash sitting next to two tall glasses of amber beer.
A close-up view of a white bowl filled with Hungarian goulash over egg noodles and topped with a dollop of sour cream.
A close-up view of a white bowl that is filled with Hungarian goulash tossed with egg noodles and a portion of it missing.

This recipe might be a little different than the goulash your mom used to make.

The flavors in this traditional stew are deeply satisfying and will warm you on a chilly night. No need to purchase an expensive cut of beef because the slow cooking in the savory sauce will turn it into melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Serve with cloverleaf dinner rolls for a comfort meal your family will devour.

An overhead view of a black cast-iron pot filled with Hungarian goulash with chunks of beef, yellow potatoes, red bell peppers, and a brown sauce.

How To Make Hungarian Goulash

NOTE: If you liked this video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Remember to click the little ‘bell’ icon so you’ll never miss a new video. Thank you!

The Ingredients You Will Need

Bacon – Go with regular slice or thick slice, they both are excellent.
Beef – Pick a roast that is nicely marbled, but not expensive. A chuck roast is best.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and fresh oregano (or dried, if necessary).
Onions – Chopped
Tomato paste – For depth of flavor.
Wine – We prefer a good white wine (Chardonnay), but you could also go with a red (Cabernet).
Beef broth – Broth or stock is great. You could substitute chicken broth.
Red bell pepper – Seeded and cut into strips.
Potatoes – Yukon gold are great, quartered.
Egg noodles – Cooked until just tender.
Sour cream – For garnish
Parsley – Optional, but it makes a nice garnish.

EPXERT TIP: Cut the meat into bite-sized chunks and then brown it in the bacon grease. The meat won’t be fully cooked, but will later as it slowly simmers in the sauce.

An overhead view of a black pot filled with chunks of chuck roast that have been browned in olive oil.

Tips for Perfect Hungarian Goulash

Use the Right Cut of Meat – Choose a tough, fatty cut of beef, such as chuck or brisket, that will become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Use Hungarian Paprika – Hungarian paprika is the key ingredient in goulash, and using a high-quality, fresh paprika will give your dish an authentic flavor. Smoked paprika is a great choice, too.

Cook Slowly – Goulash is a slow-cooked dish that requires patience and time to develop its rich flavor and tender texture.

Add Sour Cream at the End – Adding a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking will give the goulash a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the rich, savory beef and paprika.

EXPERT TIP: Don’t add the potatoes or bell peppers until the last hour of cooking. If you add them too soon, they will be extremely soft and even mushy.

A person dumping quartered chunks of gold potatoes into a pot of simmering chunks of beef, bell peppers in a beef sauce.

How To Serve

You’ll want to serve this right out of the pot with a nice big ladle.

Be sure to have plenty of sour cream on hand.

We love to serve the stew over cooked egg noodles, but it’s also delicious over steamed rice.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with Hungarian goulash over egg noodles and topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Other Amazing Stew Recipes to Try

There is nothing much more hearty than a comforting stew. Here are some of our favorites that we are certain you and your family will love.

Hearty Beef Stew
Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
Smoked Ham and White Bean Stew
Pozole (Pork and Hominy Stew)
Classic Brunswick Stew
French Chicken Stew
Instant Pot Smoked Sausage Stew
Cioppino (San-Francisco-Style Seafood Stew)

These are all amazing, without a doubt. But isn’t this catching your eye right about now?

A straight-on view of two bowls of Hungarian goulash sitting next to two tall glasses of amber beer.

This version is different than the Americanized version that so many of us remember.

It takes a little more effort, but, boy, oh boy, is it worth it.

And, leftovers are even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully.

We guarantee you that this goulash will become and instant family favorite!

A close-up view of a white bowl that is filled with Hungarian goulash tossed with egg noodles and a portion of it missing.

Ready to make the best stew this side of Budapest? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!

An overhead view of a black cast-iron pot filled with Hungarian goulash with chunks of beef, yellow potatoes, red bell peppers, and a brown sauce.

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash is different from the Americanized version which is similar to Italian meat sauce. This hearty stew is packed with melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender potatoes, and a savory paprika and caraway sauce that will warm you to the bones.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Course: Entree / Stew
Cuisine: Hungarian
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 3 hours hours 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 441kcal
Author: Kris Longwell

Video

Equipment

  • Large pot with lid A Dutch oven or cast-iron pot works well.

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon roughly chopped
  • 2 lbs beef chuck or rump, trimmed of any large pieces of fat, and cut into ¼-inch cubes
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 medium onions chopped, about 2 cups
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon paprika preferably Hungarian, or smoked
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 lb yellow potatoes peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
  • 1 cup sour cream for serving
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside. Leave the rendered bacon grease in the pot.
    4 slices bacon
  • Season the beef liberally with salt and pepper. Over medium heat, add the beef to the hot bacon grease and cook until no longer pink on the outside, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot onto a large platter.
    2 lbs beef, Salt and pepper
  • Pour off all but about 2 tablespoon of the grease. Add the onions and sauté over medium-high heat until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, and sauté for another minute. Stir in the paprika, caraway seeds, oregano, tomato paste, wine, beef broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil.
    2 medium onions, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 cup white wine, 2 cups beef broth
  • Preheat oven to 300°F.
  • Turn the heat off from the pot and stir in the seared beef. Cover and place in the oven for 2 hours.
  • Remove from the oven and carefully take the lid off. Add the reserved bacon, bell peppers, and potatoes. Stir to combine. Place the lid back on and return to the oven for another hour.
    1 red bell pepper, 1 lb yellow potatoes
  • Remove from oven and gently stir. Serve warm, with sour cream and chopped parsley (if using) as garnish.
    1 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoon fresh parsley

Notes

See the video near the top of the blog post for visual guidance. If you liked the video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. 
Slow-Cooker Method:
  1. Cook bacon, then remove.  Sear seasoned beef in hot bacon grease. Remove and sauté onions and garlic. 
  2. Place beef and onions in your slow cooker and mix in the seasonings, tomato paste, wine, and broth. 
  3. Cook on LOW for 6 hours. Uncover and stir in the reserved bacon, bell peppers, and potatoes. Cook for another 2 hours. 
Leftovers will keep covered in the fridge for up to 1 week and can be frozen for several months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 441kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 401mg | Potassium: 543mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1196IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

POST UPDATE: This recipe was originally published in November 2017, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe with new tips and photography and a fabulous new video in October, 2023!

More Soups & Salads

  • Grilled chicken Caesar salad in a large wooden bowl with homemade croutons scattered over the dressed lettuce and sliced chicken.
    Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
  • A straight-on view of two colorful Asian soup bowls filled with servings of udon soup with pork topped with hard boiled eggs and chopped scallions.
    Udon Noodle Soup with Pork
  • A straight-on view of two white shallow bowl filled with servings of lobster bisque with two glasses of white wine near by and chunks of fresh lobster on top of the soups.
    Lobster Bisque
  • An overhead view of two white soup bowls filled with slow cooker beef and barley soup with red checker napkins and a piece of bread nearby.
    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Comments

  1. Carol Olsen says

    January 30, 2024 at 5:32 pm

    I’m cooking for a recovering alcoholic and don’t have or use anything with alcohol. What should I use in place of the wine?

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      January 30, 2024 at 6:23 pm

      Hi Carol, just omit the wine and increase the broth (or stock) by 1 cup (3 cups total). It will still be deeply flavorful and very good. Let us know how it turns out or if you have any other questions! Best, Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  2. Eileen Duzenski says

    November 03, 2023 at 10:43 am

    I love you guys. Your recipes are so amazing. So easy to follow. I make the Ziti and Lasagna for large crowds and take all the credit. I can’t wait to try your Hungarian Goulash. Keep it up, I just love you guys.
    When folks ask me for the recipe I do tell them all about you guys, but only if they ask.

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      November 05, 2023 at 9:56 am

      Hi Eileen!! We LOVE it! You feel free to take FULL credit! You still prepared the recipe and that’s what’s important! We are so so happy you are enjoying our recipes! And we really think you’ll LOVE the Hungarian Goulash! So comforting and yummy! Keep us posted! xoxo Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  3. zelda says

    October 15, 2023 at 5:48 pm

    I not only watch for the recipes and the method you are cooking but I love the light breezy way you guys carry on…………………….Keep it up. Kudos to you both.

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      October 23, 2023 at 1:07 pm

      Hi Zelda! So sorry for the extremely delayed response! You have no idea how happy this makes us to hear! We are thrilled you are enjoying our recipes and videos! That means the world to us! Stay tuned…so much more fun and food on the way!!! xoxo Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  4. Keith says

    October 15, 2023 at 3:00 pm

    Hello! Being Hungarian and having my Mother’s recipe I love goulash. I usually make this every chilly season. I look forward to trying this version because the Loons Rock!

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      October 23, 2023 at 1:06 pm

      Hi Keith! Sorry for the extra long delayed response…but, we hope you try the goulash recipe and it lives up to you and your mom’s approval! Let us know if you make it and what the verdict is! All the best, Kris & Wesley

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome!

Kris & Wesley (The Loon) live for fun, food, and fabulousness. "How to Feed a Loon" is a celebration of just that. Come join us on this joyous culinary ride.

More about us

Summer Favorites

  • A single serving of Summer bruschetta with tomato and basil resting on a wooden cutting board.
    Summer Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
  • Grilled BBQ Chicken with visible grill marks resting on a metal sheet pan with a small white bowl of homemade BBQ sauce with a spoon in it nearby.
    Best-Ever Grilled BBQ Chicken
  • A pork burger topped with creamy coleslaw on a homemade pretzel bun with Carolina mustard sauce oozing from the underneath the patty with kettle chips scattered around the burger.
    Pork Burgers with Pretzel Buns
  • A close-up view of crispy coconut shrimp on a white plate next to a colorful bowl of Thai sweet chili sauce.
    Crispy Coconut Shrimp
  • An overhead view of two white bowls that are both filled with a serving of a turkey burrito bowl and they are surrounded by smaller bowls of salsa, pico de gallos, cheese, and corn salsa.
    Turkey Burrito Bowl
  • An overhead view of a large fajita skillet that is filled with a serving of veggie fajitas and surround by festive bowl of cheese, limes, sour cream, and a stack of charred flour tortillas.
    Best-Ever Veggie Fajitas

Popular Recipes

  • best-ever chicken salad recipe
    Best-Ever Chicken Salad
  • A white soup filled with roasted tomato basil soup next to sliced grilled cheese sandwiches.
    Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
  • Mahi Mahi tacos on a wooden table in a taco holder
    Amazing Mahi Mahi Tacos
  • A lemon wedge being squeezed onto a platter of chicken francese
    Chicken Francese
  • Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits recipe
    Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits
  • Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder on a platter with a side of gravy
    Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

Footer

↑ back to top

Explore

  • Recipe Index
  • About Us
  • Subscribe

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 How to Feed a Loon • This website contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, we may receive a commission in return. How To Feed a Loon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

223 shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required