Easy Beef Goulash | Classic Hungarian‑Inspired One‑Pot Dinner
A classic beef goulash is the ultimate rich, hearty stew, packed with tender slow‑cooked beef, sweet paprika, and a deep, smoky tomato base that fills the kitchen with irresistible warmth. This traditional Hungarian goulash recipe is perfect for anyone craving a comforting one‑pot dinner, a budget‑friendly family meal, or a flavour‑packed beef stew that delivers big results with simple ingredients.
Long, gentle cooking transforms braising beef into melt‑in‑the‑mouth tenderness, while paprika, onions, and garlic create the signature bold, aromatic sauce that makes goulash such a beloved cold‑weather dish. Whether you’re searching for an authentic beef goulash, an easy midweek goulash recipe, or a slow‑cooker beef stew with paprika, this version brings depth, warmth, and classic Central European comfort to your table.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Goulash
- Creamy Polenta Soft, rich and a lovely alternative to potatoes.
- Butter‑Mashed Potatoes Soft, creamy mash is perfect for soaking up the rich, paprika‑spiked sauce.
- Rice or Pilaf Light, fluffy rice works well if you want something quick and easy on the side.
- Crusty Bread or a Warm Baguette Ideal for mopping up every last bit of sauce — especially good for a casual midweek dinner.
- Steamed Green Beans Fresh, vibrant and a great contrast to the rich stew.
Variations: Beef Goulash
- Smoky Goulash — add smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle for deeper, smoky warmth.
- Beef & Mushroom Goulash — stir in sliced mushrooms for earthy depth and extra umami.
- Beef & Pepper Goulash — add sliced red peppers for sweetness and colour.
- Hot Paprika Goulash — use hot paprika or add chilli flakes for a spicier version.
- Tomato‑Rich Goulash — add a spoon of tomato purée or chopped sun‑dried tomatoes for intensity.
- Beef & Caraway — add a pinch of caraway seeds for a traditional Central European flavour.
- Creamy Goulash — swirl in sour cream or crème fraîche at the end for a velvety finish.
- Beef & Bacon — fry lardons first and build the stew in the rendered fat for extra savoury richness.
- Beef & Potato Goulash — add diced potatoes for a thicker, heartier one‑pot.
- Beef & Red Wine Goulash — replace part of the stock with red wine for a richer, deeper sauce.
- Beef & Herb Goulash — finish with fresh parsley or thyme for brightness.
- Beef & Pearl Barley — stir in pearl barley for a more filling, rustic stew.
- Garlic‑Boosted Goulash — add extra garlic or roast a bulb and blend it in for mellow sweetness
Beef goulash
Equipment
- Large liddled casserole dish
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 700 g stewing steak, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 400 g canned plum tomatoes
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into slices
- ½ pint beef stock dissolved in boiling water
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed (or 1 tsp garlic paste)
- salt and ground pepper
Serving suggestions
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180c / 350f / Gas 4.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil at high heat in large casserole dish. Add half the steak and fry to seal. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef.
- Reduce heat and add remaining oil. Fry the onions for approx 5 minutes, or until starting to brown. Reduce heat and return beef to the pan. Sprinkle over flour and paprika and toss to coat.
- Stir in tomatoes, carrots, beef stock and garlic. Season and return to the boil. Cover and cook in the over for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. Optional Sprinkle with parsley and a dollop of soured cream.