Ina Garten Hungarian Goulash Recipe
Ina Garten Hungarian Goulash Recipe is a hearty, comforting stew full of rich flavors. This recipe is easy to make at home and perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 3 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds optional
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Heat Oil in Pot
- Warm olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat before adding beef.
Brown the Beef
- Add beef cubes in batches. Brown on all sides for flavor. Remove and set aside.
Cook Onions and Garlic
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until onions are soft and fragrant.
Add Bell Peppers
- Stir in chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Add Paprika and Seasoning
- Add sweet paprika, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Stir to coat vegetables and release flavor.
Return Beef to Pot
- Add browned beef back to the pot. Stir well with vegetables and paprika mixture.
Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add tomato paste. Stir until combined.
Add Bay Leaf and Optional Spices
- Include bay leaf and optional caraway seeds. Stir gently to mix flavors.
Simmer the Goulash
- Cover pot partially. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1–1.5 hours. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Check Tenderness
- Beef should be tender and sauce thickened. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Serve Hot
- Remove bay leaf. Serve goulash over noodles, potatoes or with crusty bread. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Brown beef in batches to avoid steaming.
- Use sweet paprika for authentic Hungarian flavor.
- Simmer slowly to tenderize beef and develop rich sauce.
- Caraway seeds add traditional flavor but are optional.
- Serve over noodles or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.