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German Goulash Recipe for Perfect Cozy Nights

German goulash recipe - featured image

A hearty and flavorful German goulash recipe featuring tender beef, rich tomato-based gravy, and warm spices, perfect for cold evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear each side until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add another tablespoon of oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onions. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  3. Return the seared beef to the pot. Stir in the sweet paprika, caraway seeds, and tomato paste until well combined. The spices should coat the beef and onions beautifully. Cook for 2 minutes to release their flavors.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the bay leaves, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the goulash simmer for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become tender, and the broth will thicken into a rich, flavorful sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your irresistible German goulash piping hot!

Notes

[‘Searing the beef is essential for locking in flavor and adding depth to the dish.’, ‘Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking.’, ‘Simmer the goulash on low heat for a tender texture and rich flavor.’, ‘Add salt gradually to avoid over-salting as the flavors concentrate during cooking.’, ‘Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: German goulash, beef stew, comfort food, hearty dinner, cozy meal, slow-cooked recipe