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austrian gulasch recipe

 



Traditional Gulasch Recipe – Hearty Austrian-German Beef Stew

Warm up with this comforting and flavorful Gulasch recipe—a slow-cooked beef stew made with paprika, onions, and tender meat. Popular in Austria, Germany, and Hungary, Gulasch is rich, satisfying, and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping.

What is Gulasch?

Gulasch (also spelled Goulash) is a comforting beef stew with origins in Hungary and deep popularity in Austria and Germany. Unlike the American version with pasta or ground beef, traditional Gulasch is made with chunks of beef, caramelized onions, paprika, and slow-simmered until melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Ingredients for Traditional Gulasch

  • 2 tablespoons oil or lard
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 pounds (900 g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon marjoram or thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (500 ml) beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice (to balance flavor)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon flour for thickening

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Onions

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown (15–20 minutes).
  • Stir frequently to avoid burning—this is key to flavor!

2. Add Garlic and Paprika

  • Add garlic, tomato paste, and both paprikas.
  • Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices—don’t burn the paprika.

3. Brown the Beef

  • Add beef cubes and stir to coat in the onion-paprika mixture.
  • Cook for 5–10 minutes until browned on all sides.

4. Season and Simmer

  • Add marjoram, caraway seeds, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
  • Pour in the beef broth. The liquid should just cover the meat.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce to low, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, covered.

5. Thicken and Finish

  • Optional: Mix flour with a bit of water and stir into the stew for a thicker gravy.
  • Simmer uncovered for 10–15 more minutes.
  • Add vinegar or lemon juice to balance the richness before serving.

How to Serve Gulasch

Gulasch is delicious served with:

  • Buttered egg noodles (Spätzle)
  • Boiled or mashed potatoes
  • Crusty bread or dumplings (Semmelknödel)
  • Pickles or sour cream on the side

Tips for Perfect Gulasch

  • Use beef chuck or shoulder—they break down into tender bites.
  • Take your time with the onions—they create the rich base.
  • Don’t skip the paprika—authentic Gulasch needs good quality sweet paprika.
  • The stew tastes even better the next day!

FAQs

Can I freeze Gulasch?

Yes! It freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Can I use pork or chicken?

You can substitute, but beef is traditional. Pork shoulder also works well.

How spicy is traditional Gulasch?

It’s usually mild unless you add hot paprika. Adjust to your taste.

Printable Recipe Card

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~400 per serving

Ingredients

(See full list above)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize onions, then add garlic and spices.
  2. Add beef, seasonings, and broth. Simmer slowly.
  3. Optional: Thicken and adjust flavor before serving.
  4. Serve hot with traditional sides.

More Hearty European Dishes:

  • [Szegediner Gulasch – Sauerkraut Goulash]
  • [Wiener Schnitzel – Classic Breaded Cutlet]
  • [Kaiserschmarrn – Sweet Shredded Pancake]
  • [German Potato Salad – Warm and Tangy]

Tried this recipe?

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