plate of goulash

Here’s a hearty, comforting recipe for a classic plate of goulash — a one-pot dish of tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and either pasta or potatoes, depending on whether you want the Hungarian-style or the American-style version. I’ll give you both!

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🇭🇺 Hungarian Goulash (Traditional Style)

A rich beef stew flavored with sweet paprika, onions, and sometimes peppers or potatoes.

📝 Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp oil or lard

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 onions, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika

• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped (or ½ cup crushed tomatoes)

• 2–3 cups beef broth or water

• 2 potatoes, diced (optional)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

🍳 Instructions:

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot, heat oil and brown the beef cubes in batches. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté onions: In the same pot, cook the onions until golden and soft (10–12 minutes).

3. Add garlic & spices: Stir in garlic, paprika, and caraway seeds. Cook for 1 minute (don’t let the paprika burn).

4. Deglaze: Add tomatoes and a splash of broth to loosen any bits stuck to the pot.

5. Simmer: Return beef to the pot. Add enough broth to just cover the meat. Add bell pepper.

6. Cook low & slow: Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, until beef is tender.

7. Add potatoes: (Optional) In the last 30 minutes, stir in diced potatoes.

8. Serve: Spoon into bowls or plates, garnish with parsley. Serve with crusty bread, egg noodles, or over spaetzle.

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🇺🇸 American Goulash (Midwestern Style)

Ground beef, elbow macaroni, and tomato sauce — easy comfort food.

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

• 2 cups beef broth or water

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Brown beef & onions: In a large pot, cook beef and onions over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Add garlic & seasonings: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and soy sauce.

3. Add liquids: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth.

4. Add pasta: Stir in macaroni and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 12–15 minutes, or until pasta is tender.

5. Finish: Stir in cheese (if using). Serve hot.

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Would you like a vegetarian version, slow cooker option, or a low-carb twist on goulash?