Classic Comfort Hungarian Goulash
This Classic Comfort Hungarian Goulash is a hearty, flavorful stew that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish features tender beef simmered to perfection with aromatic onions and spices, creating a rich and savory broth. Served over a bed of hot, cooked noodles, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are sure to please the whole family. Although inspired by a classic recipe from a 1973 Betty Crocker cookbook, I’ve made slight adjustments to enhance its comforting essence. Ideal for gatherings or meal prep, this goulash is not only delectable but also makes for convenient leftovers.
6-8
Servings
225
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
shortening
1/4 cup (melted)
beef chuck or beef round steak
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
onion
1 cup (sliced)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
catsup
1/4 cup
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
brown sugar
1 tablespoon
salt
2 teaspoons
paprika
2 teaspoons
dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon
red cayenne pepper
1 dash
water
1 1/2 cups
flour
2 tablespoons
water
1/4 cup (for thickening)
hot cooked noodles
3 cups (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the shortening over medium heat.
2
Add the cubed beef, sliced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and the onion is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the catsup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, paprika, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir well to combine.
4
Pour the mixture into the skillet with the cooked meat and vegetables. Stir to incorporate all ingredients.
5
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender.
6
Once the meat is tender, mix together the flour and 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the goulash in the skillet.
7
Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil, cook for an additional minute to thicken the sauce.
8
Serve the goulash hot over a generous portion of cooked noodles.
9
For freezing, let the goulash cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Cover and freeze.
10
To serve from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat covered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Comfort Hungarian Goulash?
It is a hearty, flavorful beef stew simmered with onions and spices, served over a bed of hot cooked noodles.
What cut of meat should I use for Hungarian Goulash?
The recipe recommends using 2 lbs of beef chuck or beef round steak cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long does it take to cook the goulash?
The meat needs to simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until it is tender.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 225 calories, 11g of fat, 18.75g of carbohydrates, and 18.75g of protein.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
Can I freeze Hungarian Goulash?
Yes, it is freezer-friendly. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags.
How do I reheat the goulash from frozen?
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat covered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes.
What is used to brown the beef and onions?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of shortening to be melted in a large skillet.
How do I thicken the goulash sauce?
Gradually stir in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/4 cup of water, then bring to a boil for one minute.
What gives the sauce its flavor base?
The sauce is a blend of catsup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, paprika, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of paprika.
What kind of noodles should I serve with this?
It is best served over 3 cups of hot, cooked noodles.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, it requires 1 clove of minced garlic.
How much onion is needed?
You will need 1 cup of sliced onion.
Is there any sugar in this goulash?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
How much water is added to the sauce mixture?
The initial sauce mixture requires 1 1/2 cups of water.
Is this recipe spicy?
It includes a dash of red cayenne pepper, providing a mild kick.
How long should I brown the meat and onions?
Cook the beef, onion, and garlic for about 10-12 minutes until the meat is browned.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This version is inspired by a classic 1973 Betty Crocker cookbook recipe.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
Once the ingredients are combined and covered, reduce the heat to low.
Does this recipe use Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
How much catsup is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of catsup.
What amount of dry mustard is included?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it stores well and makes for convenient leftovers.
What is the total amount of flour used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour for thickening.
Should the skillet be covered while cooking?
Yes, cover the skillet with a lid while simmering the meat.
How much salt is in the dish?
There are 2 teaspoons of salt in this recipe.
How much water is needed for the thickening slurry?
You need 1/4 cup of water to mix with the flour.
What is the primary vegetable in the goulash?
The primary vegetables used are 1 cup of sliced onions and 1 clove of garlic.
What is the texture of the finished beef?
After simmering for over 2 hours, the beef becomes tender and sits in a rich, savory broth.