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Grandma’s Goulash

Grandma’s Goulash

Grandma’s Goulash is a timeless and heartwarming one-pot stew featuring tender beef or pork simmered with sweet onions, garlic, paprika, tomato paste, bell peppers, and broth. Served with egg noodles or potatoes, this comforting dish delights with rich flavors and a nostalgic touch, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1.5 lbs tender beef chuck or pork stew meat, cut into cubes

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 medium onions, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices & Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons sweet or smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids

  • 3 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 12 tablespoons cooking oil (for browning meat)

Sides

  • 4 cups cooked egg noodles or potatoes (mashed or roasted)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and cut the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Trim the beef or pork into evenly sized cubes to ensure consistent cooking.
  2. Brown the Meat: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the meat cubes until golden brown on all sides to lock in flavor and create a rich base for the sauce.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Cook until softened and translucent, allowing their natural sweetness to meld with the meat.
  4. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor and eliminate any raw taste.
  5. Incorporate Broth and Bell Peppers: Pour in the broth and stir the mixture well. Add the bell peppers, then bring the stew to a gentle simmer uncovered to start thickening the sauce.
  6. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low and let the goulash cook slowly for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and tenderize the meat.
  7. Cook Noodles or Potatoes: While the goulash simmers, prepare your choice of egg noodles or potatoes according to package or preferred method.
  8. Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked noodles or potatoes into the goulash or serve them on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired, then enjoy.

Notes

  • Layer flavors by properly browning the meat and sautéing aromatics to enhance depth.
  • Use high-quality sweet or smoked paprika for an authentic and vibrant flavor.
  • Simmer the goulash low and slow to ensure tender meat and rich sauce development.
  • If the sauce is too thin, continue cooking uncovered to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
  • Let the goulash rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving to settle the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: goulash, Hungarian stew, comfort food, beef stew, one-pot meal, paprika, traditional recipe