Bavarian Beef Goulash Stew
Delve into the rich flavors of Bavaria with this hearty Beef Goulash Stew, a beloved dish that brings warmth and comfort. Originating from my time in West Germany, this recipe boasts tender chunks of stewing beef, finely diced onions, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection. Seasoned with aromatic herbs and sweet red paprika, it delivers a depth of flavor that is truly satisfying. Whether you choose to prepare it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, this dish allows you to come home to a comforting meal with minimal effort. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, serve it alongside creamy sour cream, fluffy dumplings, or hearty noodles, and don’t forget the crusty sourdough for dipping. Make this meal, and experience a taste of German culinary tradition in your home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing beef
2 lbs (lean and trimmed, cut into chunks)
Onions
2 big (peeled and diced)
Olive oil
2 - 4 tablespoons (for frying)
Dried herbs
1 tablespoon (such as thyme, rosemary, or marjoram)
Sweet red paprika
3 - 4 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Carrots
2 large (peeled and diced)
Potatoes
4 (peeled and diced)
Peeled tomatoes
1 (425 g) can (with juices)
Tomato puree
1 tablespoon (for added richness)
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons (or 2 cloves crushed garlic)
Caraway seeds
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Red wine
0.5 (325 ml) bottle (to enhance flavors)
Salt & black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Sour cream
for serving (to garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large casserole or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the stewing beef to the pan and sear until it is golden brown on all sides. This step enhances the depth of flavors in the dish.
3
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
4
Introduce the diced carrots and potatoes to the mixture and stir for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
5
Sprinkle in the dried herbs, sweet red paprika, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), and caraway seeds, stirring to incorporate.
6
Pour in the red wine and add the canned peeled tomatoes along with the tomato puree. Stir well and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. If cooking on the stove, cover and let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours, occasionally stirring and adding water if necessary to retain moisture.
8
For the crock pot method, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and reduce the red wine to about a quarter of the bottle. Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender.
9
Serve the goulash stew hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, alongside dumplings, noodles, or crusty German sourdough bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bavarian Beef Goulash Stew?
Bavarian Beef Goulash Stew is a hearty, comforting German dish featuring tender beef, onions, and vegetables simmered in a rich sauce flavored with sweet red paprika and aromatic herbs.
What type of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of stewing beef, lean and trimmed, cut into manageable chunks for even cooking.
Can I cook this goulash in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it in a crock pot on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender.
How long does it take to cook on the stovetop?
On the stove, the stew should be covered and allowed to simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
What are the primary vegetables in this stew?
The primary vegetables used in this Bavarian stew are diced onions, carrots, and potatoes.
What spices give the goulash its unique flavor?
The distinct flavor comes from a combination of sweet red paprika, caraway seeds, garlic, and dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
Is it necessary to sear the beef first?
Yes, searing the beef until golden brown is a crucial step that enhances the depth of flavors in the final dish.
What kind of wine is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for half a bottle (325 ml) of red wine to enhance the richness of the stew.
Do I need to adjust the wine for the slow cooker method?
Yes, for the crock pot method, it is recommended to reduce the red wine to about a quarter of the bottle before adding it.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires two large onions, peeled and diced.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The stew uses one 425g can of peeled tomatoes with their juices, plus a tablespoon of tomato puree for extra richness.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 teaspoons of garlic powder with 2 cloves of crushed fresh garlic.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The goulash is typically garnished with a dollop of sour cream before serving.
What side dishes go well with Bavarian Goulash?
It is delicious served alongside fluffy dumplings, hearty noodles, or crusty German sourdough bread.
What is the purpose of caraway seeds in this dish?
Caraway seeds are a traditional German spice used to add a distinct, savory flavor profile to the goulash.
How much paprika should I use?
The recipe suggests 3 to 4 teaspoons of sweet red paprika for seasoning.
Do I need to peel the potatoes and carrots?
Yes, the recipe specifies that both the carrots and the 4 potatoes should be peeled and diced.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this dish can be prepared entirely in one large casserole, skillet, or slow cooker.
How do I prevent the stew from drying out on the stove?
You should occasionally stir the stew and add a little water if necessary to retain moisture while it simmers.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
The recipe recommends using 2 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil for searing the meat and sautéing the vegetables.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by traditional Bavarian culinary traditions from West Germany.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is done when it is tender enough to be easily pierced or broken apart with a fork.
Is this goulash spicy?
No, it uses sweet red paprika rather than hot paprika, resulting in a savory and rich flavor rather than a spicy one.
How many potatoes are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 potatoes, peeled and diced.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Allowing it to simmer uncovered for a short period at the end can help thicken the sauce, or the potato starch will naturally help thicken it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, goulash often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together.
Is tomato puree necessary?
The tablespoon of tomato puree is recommended for added richness and depth of flavor.
What size should the meat chunks be?
The meat should be cut into bite-sized chunks to ensure they become tender during the long cooking process.
What is the first step in making the stew?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large casserole or skillet and sear the stewing beef until golden brown.