Hungarian goulash is a classic stew type dinner that is packed full of flavor. You start with roasted vegetables and then create a sauce that is rich and savory. Serve your goulash over egg noodles for a delicious meal everyone will love.

hungarian beef goulash with egg noodles in a serving bowl

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Traditional Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Do you have a recipe that brings back a ton of memories when you make it? Once you take a bite you are flooded with memories of times with family hanging around the kitchen. That’s how I feel when I make this Hungarian goulash for my family. I can’t help but think of the good times we’ve had together.

Hungarian goulash is a type of stew that is made with meat and vegetables. It’s very different than American goulash, and has an even more dramatic flavor. It’s a versatile recipe that is a comforting and hearty meal.

Why you’ll love this Beef Goulash recipe:

  • FILLING MEAL: This easy dinner recipe is a meal that sticks to your ribs. It is filling and one that will leave everyone satisfied.
  • FULL OF FLAVOR: Hungarian goulash is full of flavor thanks to the roasted vegetables, soy sauce and tomato paste. Together these ingredients create an amazing depth of flavor.
  • GREAT FOR LEFTOVERS: This goulash recipe is delicious fresh, but it’s also great for leftovers the next day.

One of the best things about this homemade goulash recipe is that you use fresh vegetables. You start with fresh vegetables and then roast them in the oven to bring out their flavor. The roasted vegetables then get added to a hearty meat sauce and served over your favorite starchy side dish.

hungarian beef goulash with egg noodles in a serving bowl
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hungarian goulash in a pan with a wood spoon

How to make Hungarian Goulash

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Coat the sliced vegetable in the spices and olive oil.
  2. Roast the vegetables for 20-30 minutes or until fork tender.
  3. Add the roasted vegetables, tomato paste, vinegar, spices and juices from the roasting pan into a food processor.
  4. Pulse until smooth.
  5. Season the beef in a bowl.
  6. Add the beef, chicken stock, vegetable puree, soy sauce, thyme, tomato paste, bay leaf and red wine.
  7. Cover in a Dutch oven and cook for 2 1/2 – 3 hours.
  8. Serve over egg noodles.
hungarian beef goulash with egg noodles in a serving bowl
hungarian beef goulash with egg noodles in a serving bowl
What is Hungarian goulash?

Hungarian goulash is savory stew that uses roasted vegetables to create a thick and hearty meat sauce. It is a flavorful dish that everyone will love.

What cuts of beef are best for goulash?

Chuck roasts are the best type of beef for goulash. It’s an easy to find meat that breaks down and becomes tender when cooking. You can use a shoulder roast, blade roast or any other similar roast in this recipe.

Can I make Hungarian goulash in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this goulash in a slow cooker. Roast the vegetables and puree them as directed. Then pour the sauce over the meat and other ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for up to 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

How can I make a vegetarian goulash?

You can easily make this goulash vegetarian. Roast your vegetables and then puree them. Instead of a roast, you can use lentils or chickpeas in place of the beef.

Serving Suggestions

This goulash is a meal in itself, but some sides that would pair well with it are:

After you roast your vegetables, be sure to save a few carrots for a garnish later. Save 4 carrots and slice them into 1/4 inch slices and reserve them for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

hungarian goulash in a pan with a wood spoon
hungarian beef goulash with egg noodles in a serving bowl

Tips!

  • For best flavor, use a fresh container of sweet paprika.
  • You only need 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for this recipe, so freeze the left over paste for other recipes.
  • You can sear the beef before cooking it. Place a bit of oil in the Dutch oven and sear until the outsides are browned. This will help lock in flavor and keep the meat juicy.
  • Serve over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
  • Top your Hungarian goulash with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  • Store any leftover goulash in a Tupperware in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

You can check and see if the goulash is ready by testing a piece of the beef. Remove a piece of beef and see if it shreds easily. If the meat shreds easily with a fork and is heated all the way through, your goulash is ready.

hungarian beef goulash with egg noodles in a serving bowl

Hungarian goulash is a classic dinner that is hearty and full of flavor. It is an easy dinner recipe that everyone will love. This goulash is one that your family will ask for over and over again.

More Cozy Dinner Recipes we Love

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe Card

Hungarian Goulash Recipe

4.69 from 22 votes
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 3 hours
Roast Time: 30 minutes
Total: 4 hours
Servings: 8
Author: Becky Hardin
featured hungarian goulash
Hungarian goulash is a classic stew type dinner that is packed full of flavor. You start with roasted vegetables and then create a sauce that is rich and savory. Serve your goulash over egg noodles for a delicious meal everyone will love.
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Ingredients 

For the Roasted Vegetables

  • 4 yellow or Spanish onions peeled and cut into 1-inch strips top to bottom
  • 2 small-medium celery stalks trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 red bell peppers cut into ½-inch slices
  • 7 medium carrots trimmed & peeled, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic cut in half
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

For Processing the Roasted Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • Juices from the roasted vegetables
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Goulash

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 4 pounds whole boneless beef chuck roast trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • cup sweet paprika
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock homemade or store-bought
  • Puréed roasted vegetables from the food processor
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 6 ounces tomato paste 1 standard can
  • 1 bay leaf
  • cup good red wine such as an enjoyable Cabernet Sauvignon

For Serving and Garnishing

  • 8 ounces egg noodles cooked (1 standard package)
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions 

  • Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400°F.
  • Prepare the onions, celery, red bell peppers. Peel and cut carrots in half vertically.
    4 yellow or Spanish onions, 2 small-medium celery stalks, 2 red bell peppers, 7 medium carrots
  • Place the vegetables, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 3 tablespoons oil, and 3 tablespoons soy sauce in a large bowl and gently toss until vegetables are coated. Pour the oiled vegetables onto a large sheet pan and roast until tender, about 20-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to the touch.
    4 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 3 tablespoons canola oil, 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • Reduce oven temperature to 300°F.
  • Transfer four of the roasted carrots to a cutting board and cut into ¼-inch slices. These will be added to the goulash in the last 5 minutes of cooking; set aside until ready.
  • Squeeze the softened garlic out of the garlic skins and into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Add the roasted vegetables, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and all the pan juices from the roasted vegetables. Pulse the mixture until the vegetables are smooth, about 15-20 seconds total.
    2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, Juices from the roasted vegetables
  • Place the beef in a bowl and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the beef.
    4 pounds whole boneless beef chuck roast, Kosher salt, ⅓ cup sweet paprika, Freshly ground black pepper
  • In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons canola oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned beef, chicken stock, puréed roasted vegetables from the food processor, 1-tablespoon soy sauce, thyme, tomato paste, bay leaf, and ¼ cup red wine. Stir.
    2 tablespoons canola oil, 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock, Puréed roasted vegetables from the food processor, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, 6 ounces tomato paste, 1 bay leaf, ⅓ cup good red wine
  • Cover and cook at 300°F for 2½-3 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
  • Add the sliced ¼-inch slices of carrots and stir.
  • If the goulash is too thin, place on the stovetop, over very low heat, and simmer up to 15 minutes to reduce to the desired consistency.
  • Remove the bay leaf.
  • Serve over a bed of cooked egg noodles and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.
    8 ounces egg noodles, Chopped fresh parsley

Video

Becky’s Tips

Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep covered and reheat over low heat to serve.  
Calories: 717kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 54gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 1318mgPotassium: 1639mgFiber: 7gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 12540IUVitamin C: 52mgCalcium: 115mgIron: 8mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.69 from 22 votes (19 ratings without comment)
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18 Comments
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Steve snavely
Steve snavely
February 21, 2022 12:45 am

Try sweet paprika next time not hot Hungarian paprika5 stars

Maria
Maria
February 15, 2022 4:55 pm

I’m sorry but like others have said this is not a Hungarian dish. To call it “Traditional Hungarian Ghoulash” is deceitful. You should instead say it is your take on Hungarian Gyulas. I’m not trying to be insulting or demeaning towards you. I’m sure this is a tasty stew but it’s just not Hungarian in any way, shape of form. The true, original Hungarian gyulas was cooked over a fire in the fields by shepards using the most basic of ingredients. Hungarians today pretty much cook it the same way except on a stove instead of a camp fire. Although, if possible, some do make it outside. This gyulas is a form of pride for Hungarians and when the ingredients and way of making it are so vastly changed yet called “Traditional Hungarian” is sort of an insult thus the negative feedback you have been getting.

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
January 27, 2022 3:04 pm

I am sorry this didn’t work out for you!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 10, 2021 2:31 pm

I am sorry it’s not working for you!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 10, 2021 2:17 pm

I am sorry to hear you do not like this recipe!

Rosemary
Rosemary
December 3, 2021 3:38 pm

I may not be Hungarian but this is delicious.We had it for dinner and everyone wanted more,no leftovers!!!5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 10, 2021 2:24 pm
Reply to  Rosemary

Thank you for sharing, Rosemary!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 1, 2021 12:18 pm

I am sorry this didn’t work out for you!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 1, 2021 12:13 pm

I am sorry this isn’t up to your taste!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 1, 2021 12:08 pm

Sorry, this isn’t up to your taste!

Zoltan Major
Zoltan Major
November 28, 2021 8:13 am

The hungarian gulyas is a soup and not a stew. What I can see on the pics it os a beef stew with noodles. And I would say the recipe is for that rather than a gulyas

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 1, 2021 12:19 pm
Reply to  Zoltan Major

I am sorry this isn’t quite to your taste!