Best Meaty Goulash Recipe: Hearty Comfort Food Magic

Crafting a hearty meaty goulash recipe brings comfort and warmth to any kitchen gathering.

Hungarian culinary traditions inspire this rich, soul-satisfying dish that promises deep flavor in every bite.

Tender chunks of beef slowly simmer with paprika-infused vegetables, creating a robust meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Authentic spices dance through the sauce, promising a complex taste experience that transcends ordinary stews.

Perfectly balanced and intensely savory, this goulash represents more than just dinner, it’s a connection to generations of home cooking.

Meat lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will adore how each spoonful tells a story of tradition and passion.

Prepare to be transported by this ultimate comfort classic that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary memory.

Tasty Variations Of Best Meaty Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace beef and pork with hearty portobello mushrooms, seitan, or firm tofu cubes, maintaining the rich paprika-spiced base and cooking method.
• Chicken Goulash Remix: Swap red meat with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lighter protein option that absorbs the robust spices and tomato-wine sauce beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Hungarian Classic: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free while preserving the traditional flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial searing, cooking on low for 6-8 hours to achieve melt-in-your-mouth meat texture and intensified flavors.

Good Pairings For Best Meaty Goulash

• Pair with Full-Bodied Red Wine: Select a robust Hungarian red like Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood) to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the goulash, enhancing its spicy and earthy undertones.
• Serve with Crusty Rye Bread: Slice thick pieces of rustic rye bread to soak up the luxurious sauce, adding a tangy and hearty element that perfectly balances the stew's deep flavors.
• Garnish with Pickled Vegetables: Add Hungarian-style pickled peppers or cucumber salad (savanyúság) on the side to provide a bright, acidic contrast that cuts through the goulash's richness.

How To Store Best Meaty Goulash Easily

• Store leftover goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat storage saves space and helps faster thawing.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour goulash into saucepan, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying.

FAQs About Best Meaty Goulash

• Why is caramelizing meat important in this recipe?

Caramelizing meat creates a deep, rich flavor base by developing a golden-brown crust that locks in savory taste and creates complex flavor layers through the Maillard reaction.

• Can I use different types of meat for goulash?

While traditional Hungarian goulash uses beef and pork, you can substitute with lamb or veal for a unique twist, ensuring you maintain similar meat-to-fat ratios for best results.

• How do paprika and caraway seeds contribute to the dish?

Paprika adds authentic Hungarian flavor and warm color, while caraway seeds provide a subtle, earthy undertone that enhances the overall depth and complexity of the goulash.

Why Best Meaty Goulash Is A Comfort Food Staple

• Master Comfort Cooking: Dive into a hearty goulash that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with professional cooking techniques.
• Build Bold Flavors: Layer spices like sweet and hot paprika, caraway seeds, and thyme to create a deeply complex and aromatic dish that surprises every taste bud.
• Foolproof One-Pot Wonder: Craft a complete meal using a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup while maximizing deliciousness for busy home cooks seeking satisfying meals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Technique: Learn professional searing methods to develop rich caramelization on meats, ensuring maximum flavor and tender texture that impresses family and guests.

Everything You Need For Best Meaty Goulash

• Beef Cubes, Pork Cubes: Tender cuts that provide rich, hearty flavor and create the foundation of the goulash.

• Onions, Garlic, Bell Peppers: These vegetables build a deep, savory base and add complexity to the dish's overall taste profile.

• Sweet Paprika, Hot Paprika, Caraway Seeds, Dried Thyme: Spices that contribute warm, earthy notes and create a traditional Hungarian flavor signature.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the meat's natural flavors.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing meat and sautéing vegetables to develop rich caramelization.
• Red Wine: Adds depth and helps deglaze the pot, capturing all the flavorful browned bits.
• Tomato Paste: Provides concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base for the goulash.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Adds freshness and additional depth to the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the goulash and create a smooth, consistent texture.

• Bay Leaves: Impart a subtle, aromatic background flavor to the dish.

How To Prepare Best Meaty Goulash

Step 1: Heat Cooking Vessel

Select a large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven. Warm vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer and dance.

Step 2: Sear Meat Chunks

Generously season beef and pork cubes with salt and pepper. Brown meat in batches, creating a deep golden crust on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes per batch. The goal is maximum caramelization for rich flavor.

Step 3: Develop Aromatic Base

Remove browned meat and set aside. Lower heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the same pot, cooking until they become translucent and soft.

Step 4: Layer Vegetable Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Diced bell peppers

Sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing vegetables to release their delightful aromas.

Step 5: Bloom Spices

• Sweet paprika
• Hot paprika
• Caraway seeds
• Dried thyme

Stir continuously to prevent burning and awaken the spices’ essential oils.

Step 6: Enhance Tomato Depth

Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, concentrating its rich flavor profile.

Step 7: Deglaze With Wine

Pour red wine into the pot, scraping up caramelized bits from the bottom to maximize flavor complexity.

Step 8: Combine Liquid Ingredients

• Chopped tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Bay leaves

Step 9: Create Thickening Agent

Dust flour over the mixture, stirring thoroughly to develop a smooth, robust base.

Step 10: Slow Simmer

Reduce heat to low. Cover pot and simmer at 325°F for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Meat should become meltingly tender and sauce should reduce and thicken.

Step 11: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 12: Serve Deliciously

Ladle hot goulash over egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy the hearty, comforting meal.

Top Tips For Best Meaty Goulash

• Sear Meat Strategically: Brown meat in batches to ensure deep caramelization and prevent overcrowding, which steams instead of sears the meat.
• Build Flavor Layers: Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers slowly to develop a rich, aromatic base that enhances the overall depth of the goulash.
• Toast Spices Carefully: Gently toast paprika, caraway seeds, and thyme to release their essential oils and prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Simmer goulash covered on low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain a thick, hearty sauce and prevent sticking.
• Enhance Serving Options: Pair with egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious, robust sauce.

Best Meaty Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian Goulash invites passionate cooks on a culinary journey through rich, slow-simmered beef and paprika-infused broth. Warm spices and tender meat promise a comforting meal you’ll savor with each deeply satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 0.5 lbs (225 g) pork shoulder, cut into cubes

Vegetables:

• 3 large onions, chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp hot paprika
• 2 tsp caraway seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) red wine
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Season beef and pork cubes with salt and pepper, then sear meat in batches until deeply caramelized and golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
3. Remove browned meat and set aside, then reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions to the same pot, cooking until translucent and softened.
4. Introduce minced garlic and diced bell peppers, sautéing for an additional 3-4 minutes to develop their aromatic flavors.
5. Sprinkle sweet and hot paprika, caraway seeds, and dried thyme into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release their essential oils.
6. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
7. Gradually pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate maximum flavor.
8. Return seared meat to the pot and add chopped tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaves.
9. Dust flour over the mixture and stir thoroughly to create a smooth, thickening base for the goulash.
10. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours at 325°F (165°C), stirring occasionally until meat becomes incredibly tender and sauce reduces.
11. Remove bay leaves before serving, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
12. Serve hot, preferably over egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Select high-quality, well-marbled beef and pork cuts like chuck roast or shoulder for maximum tenderness and rich flavor depth.
• Always sear meat in batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring proper caramelization and developing a deep golden-brown exterior.
• Control heat carefully when toasting spices to prevent burning, which can create bitter and unpleasant undertones in the final dish.
• Use freshly ground paprika for more vibrant color and authentic Hungarian-style taste, preferably a mix of sweet and hot varieties.
• Consider making this goulash a day ahead, as flavors intensify and meat becomes more tender after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder during thickening process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg