Hungarian Goulash

My Great Grandmother Olga was from Hungary. She cooked many dishes from her home country and this is one of them. This recipe has been passed down over the years and I enjoy making it for my family. It is hearty and comforting, one of my favorites! Great-Grandma Olga would have been proud.

Hungarian Goulash is what I think of when I want comfort food. Rich and meaty, this dish is a favorite of kids and adults alike. Simple ingredients come together to make a bowl full of hearty, delicious comfort food.

Hungarian Goulash is a beef stew traditionally made with chunks of beef, root vegetables, tomatoes and spices, including paprika, salt and black pepper. It is flavorful and comforting. Sometimes, my grandmother would add homemade egg noodles instead of potatoes. It depended on what she had available to use. Since I learned how to make this goulash from her, that is the version I make for my family and they love it.

Hungarian Goulash Recipe

What’s needed?

• 2 pounds ground beef (or beef stew meat)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped and seeded
• 32 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (or 3 large russet potatoes)
• 1/2 cup sour cream

How to make Hungarian Goulash?

• In a large dutch oven, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Cooking the beef until no longer pink.
• Add the garlic and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, tomatoes, and water.

• Bring the goulash to a boil and add the seasonings. The paprika and seasonings are the key to this flavorful dish. Cover and cook on low for 1 hour.

• Stir the goulash and remove the bay leaves from the pot. Add the uncooked egg noodles and stir. You can also use elbow macaroni, but my grandmother always used egg noodles. Many times she made her own noodles.
• Cover and cook for another 5 minutes on low. Stir one more time and turn the heat off. Cover the pot and let it set for another 10-15 minutes. The egg noodles will finish cooking.

• Add the sour cream and stir to blend. The sauce will thicken and become creamy.
• Serve the goulash in bowls with your favorite bread, salad, and extra sour cream, if desired.

This recipe makes six servings and will become a favorite beef stew recipe. Hungarian Goulash is the very best in comfort food!