Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash Recipe

I’m excited to share my slow-cooked Classic Beef Goulash Recipe. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Slovenian cuisine and will surely become a favorite in your household. I made it with tender beef, onions, and a combination of paprika and caraway seeds. This Mediterranean slow-cooked beef goulash recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a cozy night. So, let’s cook and learn how to make this traditional Slovenian dish together!

What Is Beef Goulash?

Goulash originated in Hungary and is a dish that has been around since the 9th century! For hundreds of years, goulash has served as the perfect winter dish in Europe, and the Slovenians, who border Hungary, have perfected the recipe I’m sharing with you today! 

I know what you’re thinking, “beef goulash is just beef stew, right?” They are more like cousins because there is a difference between the two. Traditional beef stew recipes often combine flour to thicken the broth and give you that hearty feel we all love. Goulash uses unique spices instead of flour to create a deeper flavor than stew.

Beef Goulash Recipe Ingredients

• Spices and Aromatics: The aromatic blend of caraway seeds, cumin, coriander, sweet paprika, and black pepper infuses the goulash with a warm, earthy, slightly spicy flavor profile. These spices are the heart of Hungarian goulash, providing depth and complexity to the dish.
• Beef Chuck: With its marbling and connective tissue, Beef chuck is ideal for goulash. It becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, adding richness and meaty depth to the stew.
• Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic provide a robust and savory base for the goulash, enhancing its overall depth of flavor. They create a sweet and aromatic foundation that complements the spices and beef.
• Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a fragrant herbal note to the goulash, balancing the richness of the meat and spices with a subtle, earthy freshness.
• Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes: Tomato paste and diced tomatoes contribute acidity and natural sweetness to the dish. They help create a harmonious balance between the beef’s and the spices’ richness, adding a pleasant tomato undertone.
• Potatoes and Bell Peppers: Potatoes absorb the flavors of the goulash while providing a hearty, starchy element to the dish. Green bell peppers contribute a mild, sweet pepperiness that complements the flavor profile.

Timing for Veggies

Since goulash takes time to cook, timing is key for veggies. Here’s a simple guide:

• Onions go in early for that flavorful base. Some will dissolve, and that’s okay.
• Add tomatoes before simmering to infuse their flavor into the stock.
• Potatoes join the pot for 30 minutes to soften without getting too soggy.
• Green peppers are the last addition, just a few minutes before serving. Adding them earlier would make them mushy; we want that fresh crunch.

Tips for Perfect Goulash

• Choosing the Right Beef: For the heartiest goulash, opt for beef chuck. Despite its initial toughness, it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, releasing rich juices that enhance the dish.
• Sweet Hungarian Paprika vs. Regular Paprika: Not all paprikas are created equal. Choose sweet Hungarian paprika for your goulash; it adds fruity notes and a hint of pepperiness. Feel free to be generous, using up to three teaspoons for optimal flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy goulash by pouring yourself a bowl and serving it with some bread to soak up the delicious broth. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of rice or cooked egg noodles.
• Storage Tips: Goulash stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months.

This Beef Goulash Recipe combines the earthiness of spices, the richness of beef, and the sweetness of tomatoes and vegetables to create a comforting and satisfying stew perfect for any occasion.