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Old Fashioned Goulash

Old Fashioned Goulash

Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting stew combining tender beef chuck, paprika-infused sauce, and wide egg noodles. This classic dish delivers rich, savory flavors perfect for cozy family dinners or cold evenings. Made from simple pantry staples, it offers warmth, nostalgia, and satisfying depth in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 bell peppers, chopped

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons paprika (preferably sweet or smoked Hungarian paprika)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth

Carbohydrates

  • 12 oz wide egg noodles

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Thinly sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Cut the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces and sear them in a hot pan with a little oil until browned. This step locks in the juices and builds a rich flavor base for your stew.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Remove the beef and sauté chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the same pan, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness.
  3. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in plenty of paprika along with tomato paste, cooking briefly to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
  4. Simmer with Broth: Return the beef to the pot, add beef broth, season with salt and pepper, then cover and simmer gently until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender, typically about 1.5 to 2 hours.
  5. Cook the Noodles: While the goulash finishes simmering, cook wide egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  6. Combine and Serve: Once the stew is ready, fold in the noodles and adjust seasonings. Serve steaming hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and optionally sour cream or sliced green onions.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality paprika for the best smoky depth.
  • Do not rush the simmering process to allow the beef to become tender and flavors to meld.
  • Brown beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a perfect crust.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually at the end for balanced flavor.
  • Goulash tastes even better the next day after resting overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Old Fashioned Goulash, Beef Goulash, Comfort Food, Hungarian Stew, Paprika Beef Stew, Hearty Dinner