Traditional Hungarian goulash is a prime example of how a few simple ingredients, cooked properly, can yield an incredible flavor. Though many variations of Hungarian goulash exist, and every cook makes it just a bit differently, this is a traditional, authentic recipe from the heart of Hungary.
You already know how much I love Hungary from previous Hungarian recipes I’ve posted so I’ll spare you some of the sentimentality this time. Needless to say, Hungary holds a special place in my heart, in my family’s hearts. My brother lived there for 2 years as a young man, regularly wrote home to us about his experiences there, the beautiful scenery and breathtaking buildings, his love for the Hungarian people. When I visited Budapest I immediately fell in love with it. It has become one of my most favorite European cities. Its name comes from the two sides of the city (Buda and Pest) separated by the Danube River running through it. I don’t know that any city has a more breathtaking site than Budapest’s famous chain bridge, its parliament building, and the incredible Buda Castle.
Hungary’s history has been one of hardship and heartbreak. But the passion and stamina of soul has remained in the hearts of the Hungarian people. I’ve always been touched by Hungary’s national anthem, Himnusz, or “hymn”, written by the poet Kölcsey. Their anthem is a poetic prayer and unlike most anthems that focus on an expression of national pride, the Hungarian anthem is a direct, heartfelt plea to God. In the mid-20th century, during the years of strongest communist rule in Hungary, the words were not song, only the music was played. The communist government asked two of the most acclaimed artists of that time, a poet and composer, to rewrite the national anthem. Both refused. The next communist leader also tried, unsuccessfully, to have it changed. Hungary’s national anthem remains Himnusz. The first three lines:
O God, bless the nation of Hungary
With your grace and bounty
Extend over it your guarding arm
I also love Hungarian food. Their breads and smoked sausages are fantastic, as are their meats, stews, sauces, desserts. Today I’m going to share the national dish of Hungary: Goulash, or, as Hungarians call it, gulyás, meaning “herdsman.” Its origins date back to the 9th century Magyar shepherds as a simple meat and onion stew prepared in heavy iron kettles known as bogracs. In the 15th century invading Ottoman Turks introduced a new spice to Hungary, paprika. While the rest of Europe remained lukewarm towards this red chili pepper from the New World, Hungary embraced it and paprika has since become a defining element of Hungarian cuisine.
Goulash is kind of in between a soup and a stew. Unlike some stews, Goulash is not overly packed full of beef and vegetables, it is a little more brothy. But through the cooking process, the broth becomes thicker and more like a rich sauce.
And no, contrary to popular belief here in the U.S., goulash is NOT made with ground beef or (heaven forbid) macaroni noodles!
To achieve the ultimate flavor, the cooking method is important and quality Hungarian paprika is essential. And lots of it! None of this “2 teaspoons of paprika” jazz. Hungarians use very generous amounts of paprika, and that’s key. A Hungarian once told us, “however much paprika the recipe calls for – at least double or triple it!” For this size batch of Goulash, you want to use a full 1/4 cup of it. When I lived in Germany Hungary was just a few hours away and I would stock up on it when I visited. Now I order it online and recommend this imported Hungarian paprika. I mentioned earlier, many variations of goulash exist. Some include turnip or wine or caraway seeds, to name a few. But this recipe is the traditional, old-fashioned way of making Goulash that my brother and I learned from older generations of Hungarian women and it needs no embellishments. It’s simply delicious!
But before we get started, let’s take a quick peek at Budapest and it’s famous Great Market Hall.
Courtesy Wilfredo R. Rodriguez, Creative Commons
Images Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Courtesy Flickr vi4kin, Creative Commons
Okay, let’s get to that goulash!
Chop up the bell peppers. We don’t have the kinds of peppers they use in Hungary, at least not that I’ve been able to find anywhere. The best ones to use in their place are red and some yellow/orange. Avoid green bell peppers as the ones we have over here have a completely different flavor profile. Chop up up the onions.
Chop up the carrots, tomatoes and potatoes. (Question of the day: How do YOU pronounce them? “Po-tay-toes” or “po-taw-toes”?
Dice up the beef. In Hungarian goulash the beef chunks are usually fairly small compared to other beef stews. Dice it into 1/2 inch chunks.
Heat the pork lard (or whatever fat source you’re using, though pork fat is traditional) in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until they’re beginning to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the paprika. This will bring out its flavor but you don’t want to fry it or it will turn bitter.
Add the beef and garlic, return to the heat and cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the beef is no longer red. The beef will release enough juices to keep the paprika from scorching.
Add the bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes.
Mmmmm, it’s already starting to smell so good!
Add the carrots, tomatoes and potatoes (however it is you choose to pronounce them).
Add the beef broth, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 40 minutes. If you’re using a tougher cut of beef, simmer the beef first without the carrots, tomatoes, potatoes and bell peppers, for 30-45 minutes, then add the veggies and simmer for another 40 minutes.
It’s ready to eat! That gorgeous reddish-brown broth is so flavorful – you’re going to love it!
Dish it up and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and some crusty bread. Traditionally also served with a cool cucumber salad.
For a delicious variation, check out the Daring Gourmet’s Hungarian Chicken Goulash:
- 3 tablespoons pork lard or butter (pork fat is traditionally used)
- 1½ pounds yellow onions, chopped
- ¼ cup good quality sweet imported Hungarian paprika
- 1½ pounds beef (see note), cut into ½ inch pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red bell peppers, seeded/membranes removed, cut into ½ inch chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded/membranes removed, cut into ½ inch chunks
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into ½ inch chunks
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium high heat and cook the onions until beginning to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the paprika. Add the beef and garlic, return to the heat, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink.
- Add the bell peppers and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Add the carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 40 minutes (see note). Add salt to taste.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream, some crusty bread, and a cool cucumber salad.
Quelle belle ville et quelle jolie cuisine hongroise …Je suis fan depuis très longtemps
Thank you very much, Bistro de Jenna! Budapest is a very beautiful city and Hungarian cuisine is fabulous. Thanks so much for visiting and for your kind words 🙂
This brings back great memories. I am from Hungarian descent on my dad’s side, and had this and Chicken Paprikash as my favorites growing up. Our last name is Duna, which in German is Danube.
Awesome, Daniel! I love Hungarian food. More recipes to come!
Daniel, Danube is German for Duna in Hungarian.
In Hungary we NEVER use butter in gulyas. Lard, or oil. Also, tomato is a maybe, green pepper small amount.
Always a tiny amount of whole caraway seed toasted with the meat. (Like to use shank or similar, never too dry meat!) Sometimes small hand pinched noodles used to make the stew richer.
Sour cream is a no for gulyas. We serve some kind of sweet to make the meal whole, usually made from yeast dough.
Hi Judith, thanks for your input. You’ll notice my instructions say “lard or butter” (lard being recommended first). Lard isn’t commonly used here. And it turns some people off. But yes, in authentic, traditional Hungarian gulyas, lard is used (and provides the most flavor). As for your sweeping statements of “NEVER” and “ALWAYS”, I’m sure you must be aware that there are are many variations of gulyas and one isn’t necessarily more correct than the other. I’ve eaten in many Hungarian restaurants in Hungary, and have eaten in the homes of several wonderful elderly Hungarian women in their 70’s and 80’s, and there have always been some variations. That’s true for any “traditional” recipe. There will always be variations depending on the traditions passed down by one’s family.
Well, thanks for the correction.Yes, you are right about slight variations of each household’s way of cooking even a so called traditional dish. Yes, the traditional way the gulyas – just as most cooking – was done with lard. Today very few household has lard in their pantry even in Hungary, and that is for ‘special’ dishes only.
Thanks for posting, I do enjoy the spice mixes, I’ve been looking for THE gyro spice. Can’t wait to try yours.
Thanks, Judith, let me know what you think of the Greek seasoning blend. We’re all big fans of the homemade gyros using this blend and the homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s a regular family favorite. Happy cooking!
I think the issue is to call it “traditional”. Simply omit that and there won’t be any problem. Unfortunately, visiting a country, and eating at their restaurants and households does not make anyone an aothority to call a recipe from that country’s “traditional” as it never tastes the same when made by someone else somewhere else. I’ve used “never” here and I really mean it as a result of my experience of living in many countries over the last 30 years due to work . I’m a member of an ethnic community living in the U.K now and even my own food does not taste the same as home when made with the ingredients bought here. In addition, as you say, there are individual differences added by each cook. So let’s leave the “traditional” title to those who truly deserve it and live happily after.
The term “traditional” simply means time-honored, long-established and conventional. In other words, this is a classic version of Hungarian goulash – not a modern interpretation of it. Whether the garlic was grown in Hungary or Africa, or the cow was grazed in Germany or Argentina, this is the traditional method of preparation.
Wrong Kimberly, the cow grazed in Germany eats different type of grass to its Argentinian cousin, ergo, different flavour. I’m a professional chef as no doubt are you.
That is true, Kieran, but that wasn’t the point of my comment. To reiterate what I responded earlier: The term “traditional” by definition simply means time-honored, long-established and conventional. In other words, this is a classic version of Hungarian goulash – not a modern interpretation of it. The method of preparation of this goulash, as well as the types of ingredients used, is traditional.
The tomatoes, potatoes and peppers are all native to the Americas. This dish, in my opinion, seems like the stews and soups you find with people who are in hardship. My grandmother used to take random ingredients and find ways to make them work together. We’d eat the noodle based goulash because it was really just a mixture of what was there.
I can’t wait to try this recipe though!
Many dishes that have been around for centuries and remain popular today began as peasant dishes. French Coq au Vin is one of them and today it’s considered gourmet. Funny how perceptions change with time. Happy goulash-making, Brohamski!
A hundred years ago in rural fishing villages of Nova Scotia, folks were embarrassed to have “only” lobster to offer guests or put in children’s school lunches as it was considered the poorest food and mostly used for fertilizer. Imagine! Yes, things do change.
Wow, that’s amazing, Faye, and one I hadn’t heard before! Yes, things certainly do change 🙂
Paprika is made from peppers originally from the New World. So you could say paprika isn’t Hungarian.
…but that (red) paprika what Hungarian (so as I) use for goulash IS HUNGARIAN.
“The plant used to make the Hungarian version of the spice was grown in 1529 by the Turks at Buda[12] (now part of Budapest, the capital of Hungary).
Central European paprika WAS HOT until the 1920s, when a Szeged (Hungarian town) breeder found a plant that produced sweet fruit, which he grafted onto other plants.”
I have tried and loved many of your recipes and I can’t wait to make this. What cut of beef do you recommend for this goulash?
Thank you, Lisa, I really appreciate that! The nice part about stews is that you can pretty much use any cut of beef you like. If you use a tougher cut, like chuck, just follow the directions under “Note” in the recipe box to simmer it longer without the vegetables so they don’t get too mushy and then add the vegetables to cook for the remaining time. That way even a tough cut of meat will turn out deliciously tender. So it’s really just a matter of personal choice – a leaner cut for shorter cooking time, or a tougher cut for longer cooking time. I’ll be making another batch of this again soon as well. Enjoy!
Hi Kimberly- I was trying to find a new hearty soup to make, something different from the usual beef vegetable and bean soups I usually make in the winter, when I came across your goulash recipe. I made it today and it was simply delicious. I don’t recall ever trying a traditional Hungarian Goulash before. I found it to be slightly reminiscent to Beef Paprikash my parents made for us in my younger years . The goulash was delicious despite the fact I didn’t use good quality paprika- . Next time I make it, I will use the good quality stuff you recommend. Thank you for this great recipe that I am adding to my soup repertoire.
Thanks, Tim, I’m so glad you enjoyed it and really appreciate the feedback!
Hello! I made this dish for my family last night and it turned out to be a big hit with them! Given how simple the ingredients are with such few seasonings (we’re Indian and conditioned for a lengthy list of spices for some traditional recipes lol) it packed in a LOT of flavor. Bookmarking this to make again. The recipe is super but I used lesser stock (abt 3-1/2 to 4cups) and just 1 red bell pepper instead of the recommended two. Also I made just 1 teeny tiny addition-
I had just about 1/4c of fresh beet juice left over from another dish I was making along side. Poured that into my goulash and the color was INCREDIBLE! Fortunately couldn’t taste the beets at all
Hi Tanya, that’s wonderful! So happy to hear it was a hit! I know, I always marvel at how much flavor some thing pack even though they have such few and simple ingredients. A lot of it has to do with the method of cooking. And that paprika flavor is simply fabulous! I’ll bet the color was very rich indeed with the beet juice. Thanks for the feedback! Best, Kimberly
Dear Kimberly, As you can tel from my name I am a Hungarian from 1956.
I am in Wash.DC now.I love your recipes.
As you know Hungarians make Fozelek from all vegetable’
I like to sugjest to make a special section in your cooking recipes just for this
Best to you, Tibor Sarkady
Hi Tibor, thank you for your comment and compliment, I really appreciate it. Thank you also for reminding me about Főzelék, that’s wonderful Hungarian comfort food. I’ve made a note of your request 🙂 Kind regards, Kimberly
I love hungarian goods. I found your recipe and am making it for dinner. In the past when making goulash I add different veggies. I like to add cabbage to mine
Wonderful, hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Great recipe. I used kudu meat and only 2 cups broth, 1 red pepper and it was awesome. Great pics too
That’s wonderful, Oliver, thank you so much for the feedback!
And where are the noodles? Though you may have the name correct, that’s about all. This is not a traditional recipe. This has been “Americanized”.
What you think is authentic – the addition of noodles – is in fact the “Americanized” version you’re accusing this to be. Noodles have no place in authentic Hungarian goulash. This is the real deal.
Kimberly, kudos to you for the polite way you handled the “noodle” remark. Might I ask if the equal amounts of onions and meat is correct in the recipe? And where would one find true Hungarian paprika? Many thanks.
Hi Jim! Yes, the proportions are correct and key to the flavor outcome. In the recipe box at the very bottom of the post you’ll see that the paprika is hyperlinked – click on it and it will take you some authentic Hungarian paprika for sale on Amazon. You may be able to find it, or another brand, at a local specialty shop, but I usually just buy it online.
We definitely use homemade noodles called nokedli in our gulyás.
Thank you for this recipe, I have used it a few times, and really enjoyed it.
The children also love it.
I’m so glad to hear that and appreciate the feedback, thank you!
Hiya! Finding a good goulash recipe turned out to be harder than I expected but in the end I decided to try yours. The end result was very tasty – a hearty dish for the autumn. It was even better when I reheated it the next day! Will definitely make this again, but I will make an effort to find proper paprika powder to replace my generic version in order to take the dish to the next level. A Hungarian friend of mine once said that they pour in ridiculous amounts of paprika when making goulash so I used it generously. Would smoked paprika powder work? I also used slightly less beef broth as my Dutch oven ran out of space.
I was especially pleased that I managed to recreate the lovely reddish-brown colour as I was slightly nervous about this part. Good bread js also essential as you can sop up the broth with it. You have a nice site, I will check out your other recipes too.
Thanks, Jani, and welcome to The Daring Gourmet! Most definitely yes, as I mentioned in my article Hungarians measure their paprika by the handful, not the teaspoon 😉 And yes, good paprika makes a huge difference. You don’t want to use smoked paprika in its place, it has an overwhelmingly strong flavor – that you DO want to use by the teaspoon, or even the half teaspoon. I’m so happy you chose and enjoyed my recipe and really appreciate your feedback. I hope to see you around often!
I often follow on-line recipes and am almost always off with the suggested preparation time. In this case, my first attempt, the ten minutes were closer to 40 minutes. And agree that any recipe online or traditional can have any number or variations. I used pork, to zip it up added pinch cayenne pepper, organic veggie broth and paprika, sweet vidalia onions. Ate it with fresh sourdough baguette. Yummy. Should even be better tomorrow, like any stewed dish.
Sounds like comfort food to me! My mom used to make a dish she called goulash but from what I remember it was basically spaghetti using elbow noodles instead.
Tonia, I don’t know how or where the macaroni noodles tradition ever started but yes, that’s what many Americans have come to think Goulash is.
The ground beef and elbow macaroni version dates from the late 60’s- early 70’s and was a faster way to make goulash and a way to make ground beef(which many couldn’t afford in large quantities) stretch to feed the entire family and while no it’s not traditional that doesn’t mean that if it’s prepared well it’s not delicious…. I have made both and the only difference in mine is the cut of meat, either way if you use loads of quality paprika and make sure that all ingredients are of decent quality it’s a wonderful dish oh and side note I make homemade spetzle with my goulash… it’s a fantastic combination
Hi Brandy, agreed – the Americanized hamburger macaroni rendition tastes great. My only point is that it isn’t Hungarian goulash. Speaking of making homemade Spätzle, another terrific Hungarian dish you may be interested in is Marhapörkölt, which is served with a Hungarian pasta that’s virtually identical to German Spätzle. Here’s the recipe link: http://www.daringgourmet.com/2015/03/18/hungarian-beef-and-onion-stew-marhaporkolt/
I can’t wait to try your gulyas- I always make my family’s recipe (cause grandma knows best) but I would love to experiment a little more. Hungarian food is one of my favorite cuisines.
This is the real deal, Jenny, you’ll love it!
What a beautiful place! Gorgeous photos – the hanging peppers remind me of back home in Macedonia. 😀
AND I love love love goulash!!
I know, I love those hanging peppers, Katerina! I brought some back with me to the U.S. as a keepsake but alas, they just didn’t last long 🙂
It’s been years since I’ve been to Budapest, but the kindness of the people has stuck in my mind ever since. It’s a place I would like to visit again very soon. How I’d love a bowl of this goulash on a chilly evening!
Budapest is one of my most favorite cities and I can’t wait to go back, too!
This would be a perfect meal for our cold fall weather. Looks so flavorful!
Goulash is definitely the perfect cool weather soup, Deb!
The pictures are beautiful and the story was so well written! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Krista! 🙂
We’ve tried this at home a few times and were delighted with the results. Thanks!
That’s wonderful, Wayne, I’m really happy to hear that, thanks so much!
We just got back from a River Cruise through Germany and Budapest. We tried your recipe and it is excellent (comparable to the real thing). As a base, they typically use Duck Fat as a base rather than Lard or Butter. You are correct, measure the Paprika by the handful. We brought plenty back with us!
Hi Ray, the cruise sounds like a wonderful experience and I’m so glad you enjoyed the goulash, thank you! Traditionally Hungarians use pork fat. Duck fat is more related to French cuisine than anything but there may be some Hungarian restaurants or home cooks that use duck fat for a more “haute cuisine” touch. Pork fat is hard to find around here though. Using some kind of flavorful fat is key. Pork fat is traditional and the best for goulash but if you can’t find it you can substitute duck fat, goose fat, bacon grease or butter.
Hi Kimberly, we make our goulash just the way you have described 🙂 Only, sometimes we use a homemade tomato-onion-bellpepper preserved mixture instead of fresh vegetables. And one friend of mine swears a little of good dark beer adds a deeper flavour – but I never tried that, we just serve it with the meal 🙂
I come from Slovakia, which is northwards to Hungary, and I have been in Budapest several times, too. Beautiful historical centre… Originally Hungarian meals are very well known and popular here in our country, as perkelt/paprikas, segedin goulash… some desserts… And as you say, every family has their own variation. Thanks for your post. Maybe next time you visit Hungary you can come and see (and taste) Slovakia, too 🙂
Hi Lenka, greetings to Slovakia! 🙂 I’ve never been there but I’m familiar with it’s reputation for beautiful natural landscapes and a myriad of castles – I would love to visit someday. Thank you for your comment, it has motivated me all the more to make sure we visit Slovakia the next time we’re in that region of Europe! Best, Kimberly
This looks just like the goulash my aunt in Germany used to make. Looks absolutly yummy!
Thanks, Monika! Those must be cherished memories.
Can I use crockpot for this recipe? I can’t wait to cook this. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Margaret, you technically can but much if not most of the flavor will be lost. A critical component to achieving the flavor that authentic goulash is famous is sauteing the onions, paprika, veggies and meat. For that reason I wouldn’t recommend cooking this in a crockpot.
Thank you, Kimberly. I will try this recipe today:))
I made this for New Years Eve; and we liked it so much my wife told me we need to make it a tradition! My neighbor who is Hungarian, generously gave me 40 grams of Sweet Paprika from her “stash” that she brings back with her from Hungary. She told me to put in some ‘Eros Pista’ if I wanted a little more bite to it. I did on my second bowl and it was even better!
One thing though; my prep time was closer to an hour than 5 minutes. I can’t slice and dice a pound and a half of onions, peppers, meat, etc in that short a time!
Hi Philip, that’s awesome to hear! I like the idea of having goulash for New Year’s Eve. We traditionally have a German dish but I think we might need to shake things up for next year 🙂 Did I seriously write 5 minutes?? Ha, in my dreams! I’ve updated it. Thanks so much for the feedback!
Would bacon grease instead of lard or butter totally change the flavor?
Hi Jenna, it would add a new flavor dimension but wouldn’t completely change the flavor. Bacon grease will be fine. Happy cooking!
At last, it looks like a guolash after seeing so many of terrible recipes.
Thank you, Laszlo! 🙂 Please let us know what you think when you’ve had the chance to try it.
We are Hungarian and my wife cooks goulash(gulyás, guya:sh :-)) once a month. She uses a traditional recipe but I can state that it is the same as yours.
Let me to give some advice.
You mentioned correctly that paprika turn to bitter easily. To avoid this I suggest to add paprika after pouring with water. Anyway use Hungarian paprika, Mexican chili is not good. Goulash can be made from pork, but the authentic is beef.
Good luck,
Laszlo
Hi Laszlo, thank you for confirming the authenticity of my recipe. Warm greetings to Hungary! 🙂
I was recently staying in Budapest, with friends
The Goulash was prepared true Hungarian style
It was cooked outside , over wood.
A huge pot was on a chain over the wood. They used pig fat. To cook the onions etc: This was a pork goulash.
During the day the chain was moved in a certain way.. almost like stirring it.
They said never to use carrots. ( I always did)
It tasted very good. They uses a tomatoes paste with herb in .
However…mine at home tasted exactly the same..am happy to say ( with the carrots)
Returned home with a string of dried paprika my friends had made for me
Thanks for sharing, Jeanette. Pig fat is the best for flavor. I still have my string of dried paprika from my last trip as well – doesn’t look as pretty now as it did then but it’s sentimental to me.
Thank you for posting this recipe! I’m Hungarian/Sicilain. Our name goes back to Magyar. My Father’s side are Hungarian and my Mother’s Sicilian. I’m going to make this for my Father who is 83.
Hi Stephen, what a wonderful heritage! I’m sure your father will be thrilled, please let us know how it goes!
Kimberly, I am going to check out more of your recipe and read some of their attached comments but so far, it is looking good. I am trying the recipe for homemade yogurt. I am using my crock pot but it began to scorch and has some light brown spots on top and also lots of ‘skin’ on surface. I’m thinking of throwing it out bcz I really don’t want a scorch flavor in the yogurt.
Hi Sherryl, another reader mentioned having the same problem with the scorching and it just comes down to differences between the slow cookers themselves, where some have a higher heat point. You can also make the yogurt in a regular stock pot, just be sure to stir frequently once the temperature gets higher to prevent scorching. I’m not sure what the brown spots on top would be but the skin is fairly normal if there’s air exposure (eg, the slow cooker doesn’t have a tight seal) – simply remove the skin at the end.
Thank you Kimberly. Yes, I think cookers vary in heat points. My husband already had this crock pot before we got married a few years ago. There isn’t a product guide to it. I also see there isn’t a good seal between it’s rim and the lid when on. I was thinking about after I’ve turned it off I could seal it with plastic wrap after it’s cooled down a bit. That would probably allow a steadier and ideal heat environment for the remaining incubation period along with the towels surrounding and covering it.
We don’t have a stock pot, just a small dutch oven but I can’t fathom stirring it for such a long time, LOL
Hi Sherryl, yes, having a good and well-sealed slow cooker is critical. Making it on the stovetop really isn’t too bad – it isn’t until the end as it gets hotter that constant stirring is required but yes, using a slow cooker is definitely easier 🙂
Very wonderful did I made this tonight. Lovely. Thank you oxoxoxoox
That’s terrific, Elizabeth, I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
This is the second time I am making this dish. The family liked it so much that I was asked to make it again. I do add corn starch to thicken the stew and it simply makes it more like a hearty stew. With cucumbers (in vinegar) as a condiment, crusty bread to fill you up, this is a delicious meal.
Thanks, Hank, I’m happy to hear it’s a family hit! A vinegar-based cucumber salad is a very popular side dish in Hungary so great call on that and the crusty bread.
prep time is more like 50 minutes, not 5. lol
Hi Carol, 50 minutes to chop a few vegetables?? That would be quite the workout 🙂 I’ll grant you that it may take some people longer than 5 minutes for the chopping (I just increased it to 10), but perhaps you’re confusing the prep time with the cook time which is one hour.
I will first let anyone who reads this know I am not a cook but I can follow a recipe and this by far with the pics and comment made me feel comfortable through the whole process..,,And the food is probably the best that ever left my stove…I was even impressed with me…Thank you but they don`t have 12 stars…It is truly a GREAT DISH.
That’s wonderful to hear, Robert, thank you so much!
Hi,
Finally,I am so happy!What a pleasant surprise.It’s good to know you can make an authentic Goulash.Thank you!I would be happy if more people found this recipe.We just add water to the beef and reduce the liquid 3or more times.As I learnt black pepper is not an ingredient in Goulash but of course so many people use it.I’ve read your other recipe too,they are totally fine as well.
Thank you, Erika, I’m glad you approve! Few things beat a good Hungarian Goulash or Pörkölt (one of my all-time favorites).
I followed this recipe exactly and it was by far the best goulash, or anything, I have ever made! Very hard to find a recipe of the traditional way to make goulash, and this was perfect. Reminds me of my trip to Budapest, and I will be making this recipe often! Thank you!!!
That’s terrific, Lola, I’m so glad to hear it, thank you!
Believe it or not, the summer of 2016 was my first time to enjoy real Hungarian goulash – in Budapest, as it turns out. Loved it there. Back home I used this recipe to recreate that taste treat. Everyone LOVED it. Thanks. One caution: the recipe says it servers four. Since I had eight people to feed, including teenagers, I felt that doubling the recipe was not quite enough for seconds, so I tripled it. Turns out it made two HUGE pots of goulash – we couldn’t even finish the first one off. Not sure just how big a “serving” is, but no matter, everyone was delighted that there would be plenty of leftovers. Great recipe. Spot on to what was served in Budapest.
Hi David, I’m thrilled to hear you made and enjoyed this! Yes, it makes generous servings but you’ve probably found by now that the leftovers taste even better the next day 🙂 Thanks so much for the feedback!
It is funny. I have been to Budapest several times and I love Gulash. On one occasion I went to a boutique gourmet shop and bought several ground red pepper quite elegantly presented.
When I arrived home in Valencia my wife turned one of the red pepper flasks with a siticker on which you could read. PRODUCE OF MURCIA (Spain).
Ha, that is funny, Juan! We were just in Spain a couple of months ago and I stocked up on tons of paprika to take home with us in our luggage 🙂
The best from the best of all goulash recipes! Thank you!Cooked twice in Dubai after a trip to Budapest and all my friends are now begging me to do it again! 🙂 Big success! 🙂
That’s terrific, Plamen, thank you!
We just returned from a river cruise on the Danube, starting in Budapest, where we had our first of many Goulash soups. I cannot wait to try your recipe!!! Thank you.
That sounds like a fabulous cruise, Phyllis. Happy cooking and let us know what you think!
So what cut of beef did you use?
I’ve used several different cuts of beef, whatever they’re having the best deal. See the note at the end of the recipe how to adjust the cooking process depending on what kind of cut you’re using.
Took me forever to wash, peel, and dice all the veggies, onions, garlic, and meat, but it was well worth it…As soon as it went from the pot to the bowl, couldn’t eat it slowly as it was so tasty, and was burning my tongue! Thanks for this authentic goulash recipe, it took me a while to find it as the internet kept popping up results for the elbow macaroni and ground beef “goulash”. My boyfriend and I both had a big bowl, with plenty of leftovers for another two or three meals. Definitely have some with sour cream, it is creamy and cold in contrast to the hot soup….next time we will remember to buy bread and have it with this!
Thanks for the feedback, D, so glad you enjoyed it!
There is a particular spice/herb that I taste in German dishes (in Germany!) and also in ethnic restaurants in the Chicago area that gives a distinctive and wonderful flavor to dishes, from pork roast to Goulash Soup. I have no idea what it is and would give anything to know. I asked the woman who did the cooking in a Czech restaurant what the distinctive flavor was and she only said that she gets the flavoring from Switzerland. No help from her! It is not paprika or caraway. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Linda, besides caraway the two other distinct flavors in German cooking are juniper berries and the herbs lovage (Liebstock in German) and savory (Bohnenkraut). Juniper berries are commonly used in things like Rotkohl, Sauerkraut and a variety of meat dishes and lovage and savory and used in a variety of stews, soups, salads, etc. Do any of those ring familiar?
Thanks so much, Kimberly, for your response to my inquiry. I have used juniper berries in sauerkraut and enjoyed the flavor, but I’m unfamiliar with lovage and savory. The flavor I am seeking is so distinctive in German and Czech cooking that I keep checking recipes to see what it may be. I’ll give savory and lovage a try. I’m so glad I found your website and will bookmark it so I can visit it frequently. Many thanks for your quick response!
You’re welcome, Linda! For herbs and seasonings, there really is nothing more “German” in flavor than savory, lovage, caraway and juniper. So if it isn’t one of those I’m not sure what it would be. If you discover what the flavor is you’re trying to identify, let us know. I’m glad you found my website too! If you haven’t already subscribed, that’s the best way to be notified via email of my latest recipe posts (I send out newsletters about once a week). You can subscribe HERE.
Started prepping this dish for the umpteenth time now, only to find I’m out of paprika. What to do? Found some Kashmiri chilli powder and measure out a 1/4 cup and pop it in the pot. Some like it hot, heh. Turned out the goulash tastes spectacular. 🙂
Oh my gosh, Oliver, 1/4 cup Kashmiri chili powder!! You must have been blowing out fire 😉 I’m glad it worked out for you in the end, thanks for the feedback!
We were in Hungary this summer and brought back some Paprika. Used your recipe today to try it out on some company over for lunch. It was spectacular and tasted just like the goulash we had in Hungary. Thanks for the great recipe!
That’s wonderful, Kate, I’m so happy to hear that and really appreciate the feedback, thank you!
Argghhh! Looking for the Hungarian Beef Goulash recipe in a ’70s or ’60s Good Housekeeping Cookbook. As I recall: 2 lbs [good] beef stew meat, 2 lbs onions (cut in rings). Melt four tbs butter in stew pot. Add and cook onions until golden brown. Add meat, teaspoon salt……and 1/4 cup paprika (I add more…and the hot variety). Cover and cook [trying to remember] one hour(?) to 1&1/2 hours(????) on low heat. Off heat, mix in 8oz. sour cream. Serve over bowtie pasta
Nice thick sauce……
Anyone know if my recollection is correct
Any recipe with other vegetables…or less paprika….ugh. You want vegetables, make beef bourguignon.
Hi Rick. Good Housekeeping, however good their intentions, failed dismally at publishing a real Hungarian goulash. Authentic Hungarian goulash includes bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots and potatoes.
Hey! Thanks for the amazing recipe. I was one of those who grew up with the elbow macaroni goulash. But studying abroad in Prague and traveling around central europe, I was exposed to the good stuff. It’s incredible what that sauteing of the onions beef garlic and paprika does to the flavor. I was also amazed at how the broth thickens to that perfect consistency (between a soup and a stew). Thanks again!
Thanks, Tori, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s so true how big a difference methodology makes in cooking, some steps just can’t be skipped if you want to achieve the best results. Thanks again!
Thanks Kimberly. Just back from Eastern Europe and had tasted some of the gorgeous Hungarian gulyash. Tasted goulash in England before not quite the same though. Budapest and Bratislava offered some fantastic gulyash. I am going to try your recipe. Thank you for sharing. Kevin from Malaysia.
Hi Kevin, greetings to Malaysia! That’s fantastic, yes please let us know what you think once you’ve had the chance to try this. The leftovers are even better the next day!
This recipe is great. I used it twice already and the result is beyond yummy.
Thanks for posting this!
Terrific, Andrea, thanks so much!
Made this recipe in the summer of 2015 , in part, because I had a trip to Europe planned for October which included a stop in Budapest. The recipe was delicious and as I sat here in our recent snowfall it struck me that it would be perfect for the season. I am following the recipe quite closely and I am not new to the kitchen, but I notice your asessment of prep time as ten minutes and I laugh. I would be fascinated to watch you clean and dice all of those veg’s and the meat in ten minutes.
Aside from that, I enjoyed my brief time in Budapest , though getting there was an adventure in the midst of the first surge of the ongoing immigrant crisis.
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Bill, thank you. I guess I probably am something of a Speedy Gonzales in the kitchen – it’s makes my husband nervous sometimes 😉
Hi Kimberly, I remember Hungarian from my childhood, eating it with great relish! What can I replace the lard with? Not butter or any dairy (kosher kid here). Olive oil doesn’t seem to be compatible, nor sesame or peanut oil. Would coconut oil or a nut butter like almond be suitable?
Hi Michelle, I would go with something neutral tasting – peanut oil, canola oil, avocado oil. For frying I use avocado oil the most because it’s a healthy oil and has the highest smoke point. But peanut and canola are also neutral tasting. Happy cooking!
This is a wonderful recipe – my family LOVES it!!
Thanks so much, Lisette!
Could I use parsnips instead of potatoes? I know potatoes are traditional, but I want to make this for Chanukah with a side of potato lakes and that seems like too much potato.
That sounds like a good substitute, Andrea. Happy cooking!
Making this right now and so far it smells and taste amazing!I went on your recommendation of getting a hungarian paprika and it’s a huge difference in taste and smell!
Fantastic, Bernie, thank you!
I too feel that’s Budapest is a Most Fascinating City i8 uncountable bowls of goulash when. there and can’t wait to make your recipe
Thanks, Bonnie, I look forward to hearing what you think about it once you’ve tried it!
Hi Kimberly. I returned home on 4.1.17 after enjoying all many beautiful places in Europe for 17days, with Budapest the first stop and the last.enjoyed goulash soup and stew. the great Budapest markets being the last place to enjoy this delicious cuisine of Budapest. Budapest and Prague won my heart and I look forward to returning to these towns again and to enjoy over and over again the delicious cuisine. I am so lucky to have come across your recipe and really look forward to cooking up a storm. It really doesn’t matter to me whether it will take 10mins or 100mins to prepare the vegs, its the end result that makes it all worthwhile .Hip Hip Hooray to Kimberly for sharing with us all.
Thanks, Mary, I’m so glad you found us! Your trip sounds incredible, what a wonderful opportunity. I look forward to hearing what you think about this goulash once you’ve tried it!
I am a NAGY, most common surname in Hungary (Magyaraszag). I make gulyas similar to your recipe but no potatoes. I like to make nokeldi (similar to German spaetzel) and put my gulyas over it when I eat it.
Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth.
Both parents were Hungarian and I grew up with Hungarian food. I cook it quite often. My Gulyas is quite similar to this, however, I do add fresh or frozen parsley (a good helping) and diced tomato. I finish it off adding Nokedly (small dumplings) to the stew. Excellent!
Thanks for the input!
I only have smoked paprika, how much of that should I use as a substitute?
Smoked paprika cannot be used interchangeably with sweet Hungarian paprika, it has an entirely different flavor profile.
I pronounce potatoes “spuds”.
the “noodles” are not really noodles, they are “csipetke”, bits of dough boiled in salted water
Hi Zohar, yes, they’re similar to German Spätzle only smaller (many European countries have their own version of it). They’re not added to this traditional Gulyás but are commonly added to Bográcsgulyás (“kettle goulash”).
Yes, this is what I remember as well. My Hungarian friend make this dish for my family last year and added this in….delicious. Perhaps it is a regional thing?
Best recipe I have tried for this dish. The quality of paprika does make the difference.
Wonderful, Jean, thanks so much!
“Americanized, non-traditional” or whatever. Mine turned out beautifully and was well enjoyed by all although I did leave out the potatoes (mostly because I don’t keep them on hand and seldom remember them when I’m shopping).
Terrific, Faye, I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it, thank you!
Made the chicken goulash last week. It was so good, I’m making the beef goulash tonight! Really healthy, clean eating & delicious!
So good that I even subscribed! 😍👍❤
Wonderful, Kelly, thank you so much!
I made this for dinner tonight. It is *really* good.
A couple of notes, after following the recipe:
1) I used boneless beef short-ribs, a very flavorful but not tender cut. It required extra cooking time to tenderize, per the recipe. Next time I will use a different cut, e.g., chuck, round, or sirloin.
2) I used lard, per the recipe. It added a nice flavor note, but butter or olive oil would work as well with their own flavor note.
3) Final taste adjustment needed more salt, a couple of grinds of pepper, a touch of powdered garlic, and a bit of dried parsley. All of this is to-taste, of course.
Thanks for the feedback, Glen, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
We were recently in Budapest and tried the goulash – yum. This recipe is insanely good — that’s all I can say! My skeptical family is sold and now begs for it again. Thank you for posting it!
Fantastic, Cara, thank you!
Thanks for the recipe Kimberly. This is the proper way to make it. Until I went to Hungary in 2015 I had no idea there was such a thing as Hungarian Paprika. I even went to Szeged and didn’t realize that was the home of Hungarian Paprika. Dammit. But I kept eating the Goulash soup every place I stopped. Even when I drove across to Romania and Austria I kept ordering the Goulash soup. It was so addictive. It was only later did I realize that the chief magic ingredient was Hungarian Paprika.
Thank you and yes, quality Hungarian paprika makes a huge difference!
I’ve been using your recipe for goulash for a year now, and I have to say it’s delicious as written. Even my Hungarian friend says it’s better than her recipe! I’m making it right now! Awesome:)
Fantastic, Tina, thanks so much!
I made this tonight and it was a huge hit. Everyone in the family loved it. I made some homemade bread to go along with it, and it did a great job soaking up the deliciousness. The paprika really came through. This is a great dish and one that I’ll definitely make again. Thanks so much for a great recipe!
Wonderful, thanks so much, Dave!
OH MY GOODNESS. So amazing! My husband and I are eating this right now…I’m already plotting my second bowl. Definitely one of our new go-to cozy dinners. This was the only recipe I could find that looked more like the stew than those served over noodles (which is what I wanted!) and I am so glad I found it! keep up the amazing recipes and I can’t wait to see what else you come up with! YUM!
I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that, Sara, thank you!
Very authentic. Really tender, the only thing that I didn’t add was the garlic as a family find it too over-riding but was very good.
So happy to hear it was a hit, Angela, and I really appreciate the feedback, thank you!