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Grandma’s Goulash

Grandma’s Goulash

Grandma’s Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot stew blending tender beef or pork with onions, garlic, bell peppers, paprika, tomatoes, and beef broth. This classic dish evokes warm memories and fills your kitchen with rich, smoky flavors, perfect for cozy family dinners or soul-soothing meals on busy evenings. Served traditionally with egg noodles or potatoes, it delivers an unforgettable homestyle experience with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped

Spices and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids

  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for browning meat)

Accompaniments

  • Egg noodles or potatoes, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions, bell peppers, and garlic finely to blend seamlessly into the sauce. Cut meat into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  2. Brown the Meat: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and sear the meat until browned on all sides, locking in juices and adding rich caramelized flavor.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, garlic, and peppers to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, creating the aromatic foundation of the goulash.
  4. Add Paprika and Tomato Base: Stir in Hungarian sweet paprika along with tomato paste or diced tomatoes, cooking briefly to release full flavor and deepen sauce color.
  5. Simmer with Broth: Pour in beef broth, bring to a low simmer, cover, and cook gently for at least 1 hour until meat is tender and sauce thickens beautifully.
  6. Final Seasoning: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to achieve perfect flavor balance.

Notes

  • Use quality Hungarian sweet paprika for authentic flavor and vibrant color.
  • Slow simmering enhances flavor depth and tenderizes meat.
  • Properly brown the meat to create a richer sauce.
  • Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors if desired.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld further.

Nutrition

Keywords: goulash, Hungarian goulash, comfort food, beef stew, one-pot meal, paprika stew, traditional recipe