German Goulash

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that delivers rich, robust flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this quick and easy German Goulash recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender beef with a luscious paprika-infused sauce, this dish captures the authentic essence of traditional German cuisine, ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a weekday dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this dish will warm your soul and satisfy your appetite with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want homemade comfort food fast.
• Authentic taste: Uses classic German spices and ingredients for a genuine dish that honors tradition.
• Simple ingredients: No hard-to-find items needed—just pantry staples and fresh produce.
• Versatility: Works beautifully with rice, noodles, or bread for an easy complete meal.
• Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This quick German goulash recipe relies on a handful of simple, staple ingredients that work in harmony to create depth, color, and texture—each playing a vital role in making this dish a winner.

• Beef chunks: Use tender beef stew meat or chuck for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
• Onions: Provide sweetness and a savory backbone to the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Add aromatic depth and a subtle zing.
• Sweet paprika powder: The star spice delivering the characteristic smoky and sweet notes.
• Tomato paste: Brings richness and a hint of acidity to balance the dish.
• Beef broth: Forms the flavorful, hearty base of the sauce.
• Caraway seeds: Optional but traditional, adding an earthy, slightly nutty flavor.
• Vegetable oil: For sautéing the meat and onions evenly.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance and adjust the flavors exactly to your liking.
• Sour cream: To finish, for a creamy, tangy complement that rounds out the dish beautifully.

Variations for German Goulash

This recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious, inviting you to tweak ingredients or add your favorite twists to suit dietary needs, ingredient availability, or simply to explore new flavors.

• Vegetarian version: Swap beef for mushrooms or hearty lentils to maintain richness without meat.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot paprika for a fiery kick.
• Beer infusion: Replace part of the broth with a dark German beer for a deeper, maltier taste.
• Smoked paprika: Use smoked instead of sweet paprika to emphasize the smoky undertones.
• Low-carb adjustment: Serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies instead of traditional noodles or potatoes.

How to Make German Goulash

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Begin by heating vegetable oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper, and sear until they develop a rich brown crust on all sides. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pan, toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits left from the meat to build flavor depth.

Step 3: Add Paprika and Tomato Paste

Lower the heat to prevent burning and stir in sweet paprika powder along with tomato paste. Mixing these in at this stage allows the flavors to bloom and enrich the sauce’s color and taste.

Step 4: Return Beef and Add Broth

Put the beef back into the pan, then pour in the beef broth, enough to cover the meat halfway. Stir in caraway seeds if using. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to a luscious consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream

Turn off the heat and swirl in sour cream to add creaminess and a bit of tang, giving your German Goulash the perfect final touch.

Pro Tips for Making German Goulash

• Use quality paprika: Fresh and fragrant paprika will dramatically improve the flavor profile.
• Brown in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing beef to ensure a good crust.
• Control heat with paprika: Add paprika off the heat or on low heat to avoid bitterness.
• Don’t skip resting: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes off heat allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust sour cream: Add it gradually and taste as you mix for balanced creaminess.

How to Serve German Goulash

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top brighten the dish visually and add a fresh note that cuts through the rich, hearty sauce.

Side Dishes

Traditional pairings include soft egg noodles, buttered spaetzle, or creamy mashed potatoes, all perfect to soak up every drop of that delicious goulash sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, serve German Goulash over polenta or crusty artisan bread bowls, giving it a rustic charm and a fun eating experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your German Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Freezing

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of chunks?

Yes, ground beef can be used to speed up cooking even more; however, the texture will be different, and the dish will resemble more of a stew than classic goulash.

Is paprika necessary for German Goulash?

Absolutely! Paprika is the defining ingredient that gives German Goulash its characteristic color, flavor, and aroma.

What can I serve with German Goulash if I’m gluten-free?

Serve with gluten-free noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables to keep the meal delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make German Goulash in a slow cooker?

Yes, but this recipe is designed for quick preparation. Slow cooking will tenderize the meat more and deepen flavors if you prefer a longer cook time.

How spicy is traditional German Goulash?

Traditional German Goulash is mildly spiced, focusing on sweet paprika without much heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This quick and authentic German Goulash is the perfect way to enjoy a classic, flavorful dish without the wait. The rich combination of tender beef, smoky paprika, and creamy finish creates a meal that feels special any day of the week. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Germany right to your kitchen—in just under 30 minutes!

Related Posts

• Honey Glazed Chicken Skillet
• Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
• Baked Feta Potatoes

Print