German Goulash: A Cozy Comfort Dish
If you’ve ever craved something hearty and warming that wraps you in a cozy hug, then German goulash is your answer. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a story, a memory, and, honestly, a big bowl of comfort. Growing up, whenever the weather turned chilly, my family would whip this up, and the aroma would curl around us like a favorite blanket. So let’s dive into making a pot of this beauty together!
Table of Contents
What Is German Goulash?
German goulash is a rich, flavorful stew that typically highlights tender chunks of beef simmered in a savory sauce infused with spices, onions, and bell peppers. Unlike Hungarian goulash, which is more soup-like, German goulash is thicker and often served over noodles or with crusty bread. It’s a fantastic dish that truly shines when you need a satisfying meal that also feels like a warm embrace.
Ingredients Overview for German Goulash
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Beef chuck: This cut is perfect for stewing as it becomes super tender after slow cooking.
- Onions: Sweet and savory, they form the flavor base.
- Garlic: A few cloves add depth and a tingling aroma.
- Bell peppers: Use red or green for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Carrots: They bring a lovely sweetness and a splash of color.
- Tomato paste: Essential for that rich, savory flavor.
- Beef broth: This is what makes the stew hearty and brings all the flavors together.
- Paprika: The star spice that gives German goulash its signature flavor.
- Bay leaves: These infuse a subtle depth.
- Salt & pepper: Basic, but so necessary for seasoning.
Feel free to swap beef for pork or even use mushrooms for a veggie version.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make German Goulash
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Brown the beef: In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Throw in your beef chunks and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial since browning builds flavor.
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Sauté the veggies: Add in diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent. Then, throw in the minced garlic, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir until they soften a bit.
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Add tomato paste: Mix in the tomato paste and stir for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld. This turns your dish into a fantastic base.
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Pour in broth: Now, add beef broth, along with paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer.
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Let it simmer: Cover the pot and let it cook low and slow for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender. The longer you simmer, the better it gets!
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Taste and adjust: Near the end of cooking, taste the sauce and adjust any seasonings. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve this delicious goulash over egg noodles, dumplings, or even a slice of rustic bread.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving German goulash, you have plenty of delightful options! I love pairing it with buttered egg noodles or a nice crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or some fresh parsley for a pop of freshness. Maybe even a side of your favorite pickled veggies works nicely!
Tips For The Perfect German Goulash
- Cut beef uniformly: Aim for uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t rush browning: Be patient while browning the beef for deeper flavor.
- Let it rest: Allowing the goulash to sit for a few hours or overnight enhances its taste.
- Fresh herbs: Toss in thyme or parsley right at the end for an extra herbal note.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I make German goulash in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q: What’s a good side dish for goulash?
A: A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables work beautifully to balance the heartiness of the dish.
Q: Can I freeze leftover goulash?
A: Yes! It freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños during cooking will give it a nice kick!
Why You’ll Love It
This German goulash is the ultimate comfort food! It combines beautiful flavors and textures, with tender meat stewed in a sauce that is hearty yet soothing. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal where you take a spoonful and feel instantly cozy, as if you were wrapped in a warm scarf on a chilly night. Plus, it’s versatile with side dishes, so you’re never stuck with just one way to enjoy it!
Behind The Scenes
When I was developing this recipe, boy, did I learn a thing or two! Testing the right balance of spices was my biggest challenge.
The first attempt was far too bland, and I ended up adding more paprika until it had that rich, smoky flavor I was craving. I also tried using a different cut of beef but found that chuck really can’t be beat for tenderness. If you’re curious about my other experiments, you can check out my inspirations over at my Pinterest page My Recipe Cast. Each recipe is a little chapter of my kitchen adventures that I hope you find helpful!
Give this German goulash a try, and let me know how yours turns out. Enjoy the soothing warmth it brings—trust me; you’re going to want to make this again and again!
German Goulash
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck Cut into uniform chunks for even cooking.
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium bell peppers, diced Red or green.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp paprika The star spice for flavor.
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- to taste salt & pepper Basic seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides.
- Add the diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, bell peppers, and carrots, stirring until softened.
- Mix in the tomato paste and stir for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
- Pour in the beef broth, along with paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded.
- Taste the sauce and adjust any seasonings as necessary. Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve the goulash over egg noodles, dumplings, or with rustic bread.
