If you're craving something warm and hearty, Hungarian goulash is calling your name! With all its rich flavors and tender meat, it's a dish that can cozy up any chilly day. Whether you're a busy bee needing a slow cooker solution or a veggie lover wanting a meatless twist, there's a goulash recipe just for you. So, are you ready to investigate these delicious variations and find your new favorite? Let's plunge into!
Traditional Hungarian Goulash
Traditional Hungarian Goulash is a hearty and flavorful stew that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Hungary. This dish combines tender chunks of beef with a variety of vegetables, aromatic spices, and, of course, the signature ingredient: paprika.
Often enjoyed as a comforting meal on chilly days, Hungarian goulash is perfect for family gatherings or a casual dinner. With its robust flavors and satisfying texture, it's no wonder that this dish has gained popularity beyond Hungary's borders.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and add the chopped onions. Sauté until they're soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for an additional minute. Add the beef cubes to the pot, browning them on all sides.
Once browned, sprinkle in the sweet paprika, caraway seeds, and black pepper, stirring to coat the meat evenly with the spices. Pour in the beef broth, then add the carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and diced tomatoes.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Adjust seasoning with salt to taste before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
When making traditional Hungarian goulash, using quality paprika is essential as it contributes greatly to the flavor profile of the dish.
Opt for Hungarian sweet paprika for authenticity, and consider adding a touch of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor. You can also customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand; other options include parsnips or peas.
Allowing the goulash to rest for a few hours—or even overnight—can improve the flavors even further, making it an excellent dish to prepare in advance.
Enjoy your goulash with crusty bread or over egg noodles for a complete meal!
Slow Cooker Goulash

Slow Cooker Goulash is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the warmth of traditional Hungarian flavors right to your dinner table. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort, perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends.
The slow cooking process melds the rich flavors of beef, vegetables, and spices, resulting in a dish that's both satisfying and full of depth.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons paprika (preferably Hungarian)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker, then add the chopped onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, then stir in the paprika, caraway seeds, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together wonderfully.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the slow cooker along with the broth.
Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand; for example, adding peas or corn can provide a nice pop of color and sweetness.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the goulash during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Finally, serve your Slow Cooker Goulash with crusty bread or over egg noodles for a complete meal that family and friends will love!
Vegetarian Goulash
Vegetarian goulash is a delicious and hearty dish that captures the essence of traditional Hungarian flavors, minus the meat. This comforting stew is packed with colorful vegetables, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato base, making it a perfect meal for anyone seeking a plant-based option.
It's easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on its own or served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in the carrots and bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes. Add the potatoes, zucchini, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of soy sauce to the goulash while it simmers.
You can also customize the recipe by incorporating other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or peas based on what you have on hand.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
Enjoy your vegetarian goulash with a side of warm bread or a simple salad for a complete meal!
Spicy Hungarian Goulash

Spicy Hungarian Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings a delightful warmth to your kitchen. This traditional Hungarian stew is rich in spices and tender meat, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. With its vibrant colors and aromatic essence, this goulash not only warms the body but also tantalizes the taste buds, making it a beloved recipe for spice enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, hot paprika, and caraway seeds, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the beef cubes to the pot, browning them on all sides.
Once the meat is browned, mix in the diced bell pepper and chopped tomatoes, allowing them to soften slightly. Pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cubed potatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Extra Tips:
For an even bolder flavor, consider marinating the beef in a mixture of paprika and garlic overnight before cooking.
Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of hot paprika according to your preference. If you prefer a thicker goulash, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce.
Serve your spicy Hungarian goulash with crusty bread or over a bed of egg noodles for a satisfying meal. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Goulash Soup
Hungarian Goulash Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul with its rich aromas and robust flavors. This delightful soup is a perfect blend of tender beef, vegetables, and paprika, traditionally enjoyed in Hungary.
It's an ideal meal for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends and family, offering a taste of authentic Hungarian cuisine right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef cubes, browning them on all sides.
Stir in the sweet paprika and caraway seeds, ensuring the meat is evenly coated. Pour in the beef broth, followed by the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped bell pepper, and diced tomatoes.
Bring the soup to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an even deeper flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. This allows for better caramelization.
You can also experiment with different vegetables such as parsnips or celery for added depth. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes before serving.
Additionally, serving the goulash soup with crusty bread or traditional Hungarian dumplings will elevate the experience and make it a complete meal.