This hearty beef goulash recipe is a classic dish that is the foundation of a warm and comforting meal. My family loves the rich flavors that all come together in the most delicious way. You can even change it up a bit to suit your family’s taste.

It’s easy to make and is likely to become a family favorite! At least it is at our house! Occasionally, I’ll add other seasonings or vegetables, and it always turns out delicious.

Delicious Hungarian Beef Stew with Rich Sauce

Beef goulash originated in Hungary and was so good that people from all over the world embraced it. After all, how can anyone resist such a hearty stew that tastes so wonderful and warms us from the inside out?

My husband and I enjoy a variety of types of beef stew recipes, and this is one of our favorites. I often serve it with a side salad or this creamy coleslaw. Then we add some delicious crusty bread or some southern style cornbread.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you begin cooking. Here are the things you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound of beef, cubed
• 1 onion, cut into large bite-size pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chopped marjoram
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Skillet. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will create a nice base for browning your beef.

Brown the Beef. Add the cubed beef to the skillet. Cook the meat until it’s browned on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Use tongs or a long fork to turn the pieces, ensuring they brown evenly. Browning the beef is crucial as it locks in the juices and adds depth to the flavor. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onions and red bell pepper. Cook them for about 10 minutes or until they are tender. The vegetables will absorb some of the delicious browned bits left by the beef, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Season and Combine. Sprinkle the smoked paprika and chopped marjoram over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to combine. The smoked paprika will give the goulash a subtle, smoky flavor, while the marjoram adds a hint of sweetness.

Return the Beef and Add Liquids. Return the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef stock and add the tomato paste. Stir the mixture well as it comes to a boil. The tomato paste will thicken the sauce and give it a rich, deep flavor.

Add Salt and Pepper. If you want to add salt and pepper, do so now. Go lightly and add more later if needed.

Simmer. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the goulash simmer for about 1-1/2 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Thicken the Sauce (if needed). After 1-1/2 hours, check the consistency of the sauce. If it isn’t thick enough for your liking, remove the lid and continue cooking the goulash uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker sauce.

How I Like to Serve Goulash

Beef goulash is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways ways. We really enjoy it over noodles. But I’ve also served it over rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream to add a little something extra to the dish.

Don’t Forget About Dessert

Since this dish is so rich and filling, you might want to consider one of these light options:

Butterscotch Pecan Cookies – Easy to make and absolutely delicious, these butterscotch pecan cookies are the perfect dessert to end any meal.

Peach Fluff Dessert Salad – Light and refreshing, this “salad” is a wonderful dessert that gives you just the right amount of sweetness without making you feel stuffed.

Classic Vanilla Cupcakes – These delightful little treats from Call Me PMc will bring smiles around the table after the meal. They’re light and absolutely yummy!

Lemon Lush Pie – If you enjoy a delicious balance of sweet and tart, this yummy lemon lush pie is perfect for you. It’s basically a lemon lush that’s cooked in a pie pan.

Wonderful One-Pot Meal

This beef goulash recipe is a dish that warms the soul and tastes so good with tender chunks of beef and a thick broth surrounding it. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this goulash is sure to impress.

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