Sizzling Hungarian Goulash Recipe: Ina Garten’s Heartwarming Take

Hearty and rich with deep European flavors, this Hungarian goulash recipe by Ina Garten captures the essence of traditional comfort cooking.

Tender beef chunks slowly simmer in a robust paprika-infused broth that promises warmth in every single bite.

The classic Hungarian dish brings robust seasonings and slow-cooked tenderness to your dinner table.

Fragrant spices dance through the stew, creating layers of complex flavor profiles that speak to generations of culinary tradition.

Robust and soul-satisfying, this goulash delivers a meal that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

Each spoonful tells a story of Hungarian culinary heritage, blending simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

Grab your Dutch oven and let the magic of slow cooking transport you to the heart of Central European cuisine.

Easy Instructions for Ina Garten Hungarian Goulash

Hearty Hungarian Delight

• Bacon Foundation Creating a flavorful base by rendering crispy bacon strips in a large pot, releasing rich, smoky essence that will infuse the entire dish with depth and character.
• Beef Browning Developing a robust foundation by searing beef chunks until golden and caramelized, ensuring maximum flavor and tender meat texture throughout the cooking process.
• Aromatic Spice Blend Introducing a symphony of Hungarian flavors with onions, garlic, peppers, warm paprika, and earthy caraway seeds, creating a fragrant and complex flavor profile that transports your taste buds.
• Liquid Magic Incorporating vinegar, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth to transform the mixture into a luscious, velvety stew that simmers and melds flavors over gentle heat for rich, comforting results.
• Potato and Bacon Finale Introducing tender potato chunks and crispy bacon back into the pot, allowing them to mingle and absorb the delicious sauce while creating a complete, satisfying meal that warms the soul.
• Creamy Finishing Touch Stirring in luxurious sour cream and garnishing with fresh parsley, adding a bright, fresh element that balances the deep, rich flavors of this traditional Hungarian classic.

Flavor Swaps for Ina Garten Hungarian Goulash Recipe

• Choose chuck roast or beef shoulder for the most tender and flavorful goulash, as these cuts become incredibly soft when slow-cooked.
• Use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika for the most traditional taste – it makes a significant difference in depth and richness compared to regular paprika.
• Adjust spiciness by mixing sweet and hot paprika or adding extra red pepper flakes for those who enjoy more kick in their dish.
• This goulash tastes even better the next day, so prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for maximum deliciousness.
• Replace potatoes with root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a different texture and slightly more complex flavor profile.

Serve Ina Garten Hungarian Goulash Hot and Hearty

• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Tear into a warm, crusty baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up the rich, hearty sauce and capture every delicious drop of the goulash.
• Create a Comforting Plate: Ladle the goulash over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles for an extra layer of comfort and warmth that complements the tender beef.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh touch that cuts through the deep, savory flavors of the dish and provides a pop of color.
• Pair with Tangy Side Salad: Toss a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty goulash and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the hearty main course.

Best Way to Store Ina Garten Hungarian Goulash

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover goulash into airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors will actually improve overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack the cooled goulash in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. It will stay tasty for up to 3 months, perfect for busy weeknights when cooking feels overwhelming.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce seems too thick, restoring its original rich consistency.
• Portion and Prep: Divide the goulash into individual serving sizes before freezing. This strategy allows you to thaw exactly what you need, reducing waste and saving time during hectic meal preparations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

What Goes in Ina Garten Hungarian Goulash Recipe

• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and creates a delicious cooking fat for the beef.
• Beef Chuck: Choose well-marbled meat for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that becomes incredibly soft during slow cooking.

• Onions, Garlic: Create a deep, aromatic foundation that brings warmth and depth to the goulash.
• Red Bell Peppers: Provide sweet, slightly tangy undertones and vibrant color to the dish.
• Paprika: Essential Hungarian spice that gives the classic earthy, warm profile distinctive to traditional goulash.
• Caraway Seeds: Introduce a subtle, nutty essence that complements the robust meat flavors.
• Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness of the meat.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a luxurious, velvety consistency.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a silky base and slight acidic brightness to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Builds a rich, savory liquid that intensifies the overall meat flavor.
• Potatoes: Transform the stew into a hearty, filling meal with their creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds a cool, tangy finish that softens the dish's intensity.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, green brightness as a final garnish.

Tools Needed for Ina Garten Hungarian Goulash Recipe

• Large pot: Essential for cooking bacon, browning beef, and simmering the entire goulash.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely turning and handling meat while cooking.
• Paper towels: Used to drain crispy bacon and absorb excess fat.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions, garlic, and peppers.
• Sharp knife: Needed to prepare vegetables and meat.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Lid: Covers the pot during simmering to retain moisture and heat.

Rustic Hungarian Goulash Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hungarian goulash offers a hearty beef stew perfected by Ina Garten with rich paprika and tender meat. Comfort from Central European kitchens comes alive through slow-simmered ingredients you’ll savor with each warming spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) beef without bones, cut into big chunks
• 4 pieces bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped small
• 2 red bell peppers, cooked and sliced
• 4 big potatoes, peeled and cut into thick pieces
• 3 tbsps sweet paprika powder
• 2 tsps caraway seeds, cooked and crushed
• 2 tbsps cooking oil
• 2 tbsps red wine vinegar
• 1 can (15 oz or 443 ml) whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 6 cups beef broth with low salt
• ½ cup sour cream
• Chopped parsley leaves for decoration
• 3 tbsps flour
• Salt and black pepper

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until golden, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate for later garnishing.
2. Meat Searing: Utilize bacon fat to brown beef chunks, creating a caramel-like exterior. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, rotating meat with culinary tongs. Add olive oil if meat sticks to the pot’s surface.
3. Flavor Foundation: Dust meat with flour, then incorporate onions, garlic, bell peppers, paprika, and caraway seeds. Sauté for 2-3 minutes to release aromatic spice essences.
4. Liquid Integration: Deglaze with red wine vinegar, then add San Marzano tomatoes and beef stock. Bring to a robust boil, immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and develop flavors for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent adhesion.
5. Final Cooking Stage: Introduce potatoes and reserved bacon pieces. Simmer with a partially open lid for 30-40 minutes until potatoes become tender and sauce reaches a rich, thickened consistency.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove from heat, fold in sour cream until fully integrated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside crusty bread or atop buttered egg noodles.

Notes

• Bacon Brilliance: Render bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and create a golden, crisp texture that adds depth to the goulash’s base.
• Meat Mastery: Brown beef chunks thoroughly to develop a rich caramel-like sear, which locks in moisture and creates a complex flavor profile.
• Spice Strategy: Toast paprika and caraway seeds briefly to release their essential oils, intensifying the authentic Hungarian flavor of the dish.
• Simmering Secret: Keep the lid slightly ajar during the final cooking stage to allow excess moisture to evaporate, creating a perfectly thickened and rich stew consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg