Description
This quick and authentic German Goulash recipe combines tender beef chunks with a rich, paprika-infused sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. It offers a comforting and hearty meal with traditional German flavors, perfect for weekday dinners or cozy weekend treats. The dish is versatile, family-friendly, and made from simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500g beef chunks (stew meat or chuck), tender and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 500ml beef broth (enough to cover beef halfway)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 150g sour cream (to finish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Lightly season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then sear them until they develop a rich brown crust on all sides. This locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Remove the browned beef from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant, scraping any browned bits from the pan to build depth of flavor.
- Add Paprika and Tomato Paste: Lower the heat to prevent burning. Stir in the sweet paprika powder and tomato paste, mixing well to let the flavors bloom and enrich the sauce’s color and taste.
- Return Beef and Add Broth: Put the seared beef back into the pan. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the meat is covered halfway. Stir in caraway seeds if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Cover the pan and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Turn off the heat and swirl in the sour cream to add creaminess and a slight tang, rounding out the dish beautifully.
Notes
- Use quality fresh paprika for the best flavor and aroma.
- Brown beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure a good crust.
- Add paprika off the heat or on low heat to prevent bitterness.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes off heat to allow flavors to meld.
- Add sour cream gradually, tasting as you go to balance creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg