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Grandma’s Goulash

Grandma’s Goulash
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Grandma’s Goulash is a hearty, comforting stew combining tender beef or pork, aromatic vegetables, and a richly spiced tomato and paprika sauce. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this classic recipe delivers nostalgic home-cooked goodness with simple ingredients and adaptable variations to suit any dietary need.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1.5 lbs beef or pork, cut into cubes (tender cuts preferred)

Aromatics

  • 2 medium onions, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced

Vegetables

  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced

Tomato Base and Spices

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Hungarian paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1–2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Liquids

  • 2 cups beef broth or stock
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil or butter for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sauté the Aromatics: Peel and slice the onions and garlic. Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, building the flavor base for the dish.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the meat cubes to the pot and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. This seals in juices and adds a caramelized depth of flavor.
  3. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the diced bell peppers and carrots. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and Hungarian paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute all flavors.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth or stock until the ingredients are just covered. Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Towards the end of cooking, taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or paprika if desired. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve warm with your preferred side or garnish.

Notes

  • Use authentic Hungarian sweet or smoked paprika for the best flavor.
  • Properly browning the meat adds essential richness and depth to the dish.
  • Simmer the stew slowly on low heat to tenderize the meat and blend flavors.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmer uncovered to thicken if too thin.
  • Let the goulash rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor.
  • For vegetarian versions, substitute meat with mushrooms, lentils, or root vegetables.
  • Slow cooker option: brown meat and sauté aromatics first, then slow cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Ground meat can be used as a quicker alternative to cubed beef.
  • Ensure all broths and spices are gluten-free if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Goulash, Hungarian goulash, beef stew, comfort food, paprika stew, slow cooked goulash, family dinner, gluten free goulash

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/grandmas-goulash/