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This Beef Goulash Recipe is rich, hearty comfort food at its finest. Tender chunks of beef simmer low and slow with Hungarian paprika, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers until every bite is packed with savory flavor. It’s the kind of cozy, satisfying stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday suppers, or anytime you’re craving a comforting homemade meal.

While inspired by traditional European goulash recipes, this version strikes a delicious balance of rich beef flavor, warm spices, and hearty vegetables that American families love. Serve it over buttery egg noodles for a meal that’s guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

If you enjoy cozy comfort food like this, be sure to try my German goulash, Hungarian goulash, or a hearty bowl of Beef Noodle Soup too.

Want to learn more about the different styles? Check out my Types of Goulash guide to see how Hungarian, German, American, and beef goulash compare.

What Is Beef Goulash?

Beef goulash is a hearty beef stew made with tender chunks of beef, paprika, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. While goulash originated in Hungary centuries ago, many countries have developed their own versions over time, each with its own unique flavor profile and ingredients.

This Beef Goulash Recipe is inspired by traditional Hungarian flavors but is designed with American home cooks in mind. It combines melt-in-your-mouth beef, warm Hungarian paprika, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers into a satisfying one-pot meal that’s both comforting and approachable.

If you’re curious about the different styles, Hungarian goulash tends to be more onion-forward and paprika-focused, German goulash often features a richer sauce with a touch of tanginess, and American goulash is typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta. This version strikes a delicious balance between traditional European flavors and the hearty, vegetable-packed stews many American families love.

✨ Before You Begin

✨ Choose Good Paprika: Paprika is the signature flavor in beef goulash. Using authentic Hungarian paprika will give your stew the richest color and deepest flavor.

✨ Cut The Beef Evenly: Try to keep the beef pieces about the same size so they cook evenly and become tender at the same rate.

✨ Don’t Rush The Simmer: The long, slow cooking time is what transforms the beef into fork-tender bites and allows the flavors to fully develop.

✨ Taste Before Serving: Depending on your broth and tomatoes, you may want a little extra salt or pepper at the end of cooking.

✨ Even Better The Next Day: Like many stews, beef goulash tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight in the refrigerator.

Beef Goulash Ingredients

Beef: We use flank steak in this recipe. After a long, slow simmer, it becomes wonderfully tender while soaking up all the rich flavors of the broth and spices.

Hungarian Paprika: The combination of sweet Hungarian paprika, hot Hungarian paprika, and smoked paprika gives this goulash its signature color and deep, savory flavor. Paprika is the star of the show, so use the freshest paprika you can find.

Beef Broth + Better Than Bouillon: These work together to create a rich, beefy base that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Better Than Bouillon adds an extra layer of savory flavor that really elevates the stew.

Tomatoes: Tomato puree and whole plum tomatoes provide body, richness, and a subtle sweetness that balances the warm spices beautifully.

Caraway Seeds: Just a small amount adds the classic earthy flavor often found in traditional European goulash recipes.

Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and red bell pepper add hearty texture and make this a complete one-pot meal.

Egg Noodles: I love serving beef goulash over buttery egg noodles. They soak up every drop of that rich, flavorful sauce and turn this stew into an incredibly satisfying dinner.

🥣 How To Make Beef Goulash

Season The Beef: Toss the cubed flank steak with salt and pepper and let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This simple step helps build flavor from the very beginning.

Brown The Beef: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot and brown the beef on all sides. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the beef to a plate and reserve any accumulated juices.

Build The Flavor Base: Add the remaining oil, onions, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika, hot Hungarian paprika, and smoked paprika and cook briefly until the spices become aromatic.

Create The Broth: Pour in the water, beef broth, Better Than Bouillon, tomato puree, and whole tomatoes. Add the caraway seeds, then return the beef and any juices to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Simmer Until Tender: Cover partially and cook for 2 to 2½ hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the broth has developed a rich, deep flavor.

Add The Vegetables: Stir in the carrots and potatoes and continue simmering until they begin to soften. Add the red bell pepper and cook until all the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.

Finish And Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve over warm buttered egg noodles for a hearty, comforting meal.

⭐ Pro Tips

⭐ Brown The Beef Well: Don’t rush this step. The browned bits left behind in the pot add incredible depth and richness to the finished goulash.

⭐ Use Fresh Paprika: Paprika is the signature flavor in this recipe. If your paprika has been sitting in the pantry for years, replace it before making this dish.

⭐ Keep The Simmer Gentle: A low, steady simmer produces the most tender beef. Boiling too aggressively can make the meat tough.

⭐ Break Up The Tomatoes: Use a spoon to gently break apart the whole plum tomatoes as the stew cooks. This creates a rich, rustic sauce without needing additional work.

⭐ Make It A Day Ahead: Like many stews, beef goulash tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.

⭐ Don’t Skip The Egg Noodles: While the goulash is delicious on its own, serving it over buttered egg noodles turns it into an unforgettable comfort food dinner.

Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead

Storing: Beef goulash will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. In fact, many people think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or gently warm larger amounts in a saucepan over medium-low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.

Freezing: This stew freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make-Ahead: Beef goulash is an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving and cook the egg noodles fresh for the best texture.

What To Serve With Beef Goulash

Fresh + Crisp Sides:

Balance the rich, hearty flavors of the goulash with a crisp House Salad, 1905 Salad, or Strawberry Blue Cheese Salad.

Comforting Vegetable Sides:

Round out your meal with Southern Green Beans, Honey Butter Skillet Corn, or Roasted Carrots and Parsnips.

Cozy Breads:

A slice of crusty Dutch Oven Bread, Bisquick Cornbread, Cheddar Biscuits, or Garlic Bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful paprika-spiced broth.

Sweet Finishes:

End the meal with a comforting dessert like Apple Cobbler, Buttermilk Pie, or Triple Chocolate Cookies for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❖ What Is The Difference Between Beef Goulash And American Goulash?

While both are comfort food classics, they’re very different dishes. Beef goulash is a hearty stew made with chunks of beef, vegetables, paprika, and a rich broth. American goulash is typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni pasta in a one-pot meal.

❖ What Kind Of Paprika Is Best For Beef Goulash?

Hungarian paprika is the traditional choice and provides the most authentic flavor. This recipe uses a combination of sweet Hungarian paprika, hot Hungarian paprika, and smoked paprika to create a rich, complex flavor profile.

❖ Why Is My Beef Goulash Tough?

Tough beef usually means it hasn’t cooked long enough. Continue simmering until the beef becomes fork-tender. Every cut of beef cooks a little differently, so the exact cooking time may vary.

❖ Can I Make Beef Goulash Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! Beef goulash is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop as it rests, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or entertaining.

❖ Can I Freeze Beef Goulash?

Yes. Once cooled completely, transfer the goulash to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

❖ What Should I Serve With Beef Goulash?

I love serving beef goulash over buttered egg noodles, but it’s also delicious with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. Check out the serving suggestions above for more ideas.

Still have questions? Leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help!

More Hearty Stew Recipes

Cowboy Stew – A hearty, family-favorite stew loaded with ground beef, sausage, beans, potatoes, and vegetables in a rich tomato broth.

Pork Stew – Tender chunks of pork simmered low and slow with vegetables in a savory broth that’s pure comfort food.

Hamburger Stew – An easy, budget-friendly classic featuring ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich, flavorful broth.

Guinness Beef Stew – Deep, rich flavors from slow-braised beef and Guinness beer make this stew incredibly satisfying.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich gravy come together effortlessly in the crockpot.

Tried This Recipe?

I’d love to hear how your Beef Goulash turned out! Leave a comment and star rating below to let me know what you think.

Did you serve it over buttery egg noodles? Add extra paprika? Make it ahead for an even richer flavor? Tell me about it!

And if you snapped a photo, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag @gonna_want_seconds so I can see your delicious creation.

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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen