Before we get into the simmering pots and rich spices, let me take a moment to say thank you. Truly. 💛 Thank you for being here, for valuing real, comforting food, and for taking the time to cook with intention.

Today’s recipe is something that brings me straight back to the heart of the kitchen — a slow-cooked, deeply flavorful Old Fashioned Goulash. This is the kind of meal that fills the house with warmth, invites second helpings, and satisfies on the coldest of evenings.

Rooted in Hungarian tradition but lovingly adapted over generations, this version of goulash is bold, hearty, and everything a stew should be. Let’s get into it.

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🍲 What Is Old Fashioned Goulash?

Traditional goulash (or gulyás, as it’s known in Hungary) is a beef stew flavored with sweet paprika, slow-simmered until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables melt into the broth.

Unlike the American-style “goulash” made with ground beef and macaroni, this is the old-world classic — filled with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich tomato-paprika base.

It’s not just dinner. It’s history. And more than that, it’s comfort in a bowl.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Goulash

🕰️ Slow-cooked for rich flavor – a stovetop stew that gets better with time.
🥩 Tender beef and hearty vegetables – every spoonful is satisfying.
🌶️ Paprika-forward and deeply aromatic – sweet, earthy, and warming.
🍅 One-pot meal – perfect for cozy nights and leftovers.
👵 Inspired by tradition – just like Grandma used to make.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this nostalgic dish:

For the Stew:

1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional but traditional)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for gentle heat)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
4 cups beef broth (or water)
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 bay leaf
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

✨ Hungarian paprika is the key here — don’t skip it or substitute with generic chili powder!

🧂 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

Swap beef chuck for stew beef or brisket if needed.
No caraway seeds? You can leave them out, but they add that authentic Hungarian flair.
Red bell peppers work best for their sweetness, but any color will do.
Want to stretch it? Add a handful of egg noodles in the final 10 minutes.

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or lard over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd!) and brown on all sides. Set aside.

Browning builds flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions & Garlic

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add onions. Cook until soft and golden — about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 3: Add Paprika & Spices

Turn off the heat briefly to avoid burning the paprika. Stir in the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

Pro tip: Paprika can become bitter if burned — adding it off-heat helps preserve its sweetness.

Step 4: Build the Base

Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Mix everything well.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth

Add beef broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Toss in the bay leaf.

Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Add the Veggies

After 1 hour, stir in the carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Cover and simmer for another 30–40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the veggies are cooked through.

Step 7: Final Touch

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Let the goulash rest for 10 minutes off the heat — it thickens slightly and the flavors deepen.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and maybe a slice of crusty bread on the side.

🍽️ What to Serve With Old Fashioned Goulash

Crusty bread or rustic rolls to mop up the sauce
Egg noodles or spaetzle for a classic pairing
Cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for balance
Sour cream dolloped on top for a creamy finish
A glass of red wine or hearty lager if you’re feeling fancy

🧊 Storage & Leftovers

This dish gets even better the next day.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let cool completely before freezing.
Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.

What’s the difference between Hungarian and American goulash?

Hungarian goulash is a beef stew with paprika, while American versions often use ground beef and pasta. This recipe stays true to the traditional, hearty roots.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure! Swap the beef for mushrooms or lentils, and use veggie broth. Still comforting and flavorful!

✨ Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Old Fashioned Goulash has stood the test of time. It’s not just a stew — it’s a reminder that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. They just need care, a few humble ingredients, and a little time to simmer.

Whether you’re serving it at a winter gathering, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving something rich and soul-warming, this goulash brings the kind of comfort that only a spoonful of something homemade can deliver.

🍲 More Cozy Dishes to Try

Scalloped Potatoes – Creamy, cheesy, and classic
Crockpot Mississippi Roast – Low effort, big flavor
California Spaghetti Salad – A fresh side to balance hearty mains
Southern-Style Pig Pickin’ Cake – A light, sweet finish to a heavy meal

📸 Show Off Your Goulash!

If you make this dish, I’d love to see it!
📷 Tag your photos with #OldFashionedGoulash on Instagram or Pinterest
💬 Leave a comment below — did you go spicy? Add noodles? Let’s talk stew!

🧮 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, approx. 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Carbohydrates	25g
Protein	32g
Fat	22g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	6g

Thanks for simmering with me today. This dish has a way of bringing people together — around the table and through generations. I hope it brings that same warmth to your kitchen too.

With paprika-scented gratitude,
— Carolina