Old Fashioned Goulash

By Daily Recipes - décembre 10, 2025

Here’s a detailed and unique article about Old Fashioned Goulash with a step-by-step method:

Old Fashioned Goulash: A Hearty Comfort Dish

Goulash is a timeless dish with roots in Hungarian cuisine, but over the years, it has traveled across borders and kitchens, becoming a comfort food classic in many homes. Unlike modern interpretations with quick-cooking shortcuts, old-fashioned goulash relies on slow-cooked, rich flavors and tender ingredients. This dish is the perfect embodiment of cozy, homemade cooking, ideal for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

Ingredients

To make a traditional old-fashioned goulash, you will need the following ingredients:

For the stew:

1.5 pounds (700g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sweet paprika (Hungarian preferred)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, traditional touch)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
4 cups beef broth or water
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 bay leaf
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Brown the Meat

Begin by heating the vegetable oil or lard in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear the meat on all sides until nicely browned. Remove the beef and set it aside—browning is key for developing deep flavors.

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2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

3. Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the spices release their aroma. This step ensures that the goulash has a deep, layered flavor.

4. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Tomatoes

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to remove its raw taste. Then add the diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes. Mix well to combine with the onions and spices.

5. Return Meat and Add Broth

Add the browned beef back to the pot. Pour in the beef broth or water until the meat is just covered. Toss in the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally. Slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

6. Add Vegetables

Once the meat is tender, add the carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

7. Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the goulash into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, egg noodles, or even a side of rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Goulash

Use quality beef: Chuck or brisket works best because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Don’t rush the browning: It’s worth taking the time to sear the meat and sauté the onions thoroughly.
Low and slow simmering: Patience is key. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste.
Paprika is essential: Use Hungarian paprika if possible—it’s the heart of authentic goulash flavor.
Optional add-ins: Mushrooms, parsnips, or a splash of red wine can deepen the flavor without straying too far from tradition.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of slow-cooked flavors and traditional culinary techniques. Its rich, comforting broth, tender meat, and hearty vegetables make it a perfect dish for sharing with family and friends. With patience, quality ingredients, and a love for cooking, you can bring this classic Hungarian comfort dish to life right in your kitchen.

If you want, I can also create a simplified, one-pot version of this goulash for a quicker weeknight dinner without losing its classic flavor. Do you want me to do that?

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