Austrian Braised Beef Goulash with Kaiser Roll Croutons

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef chunks slowly braised in a rich paprika sauce served with crispy kaiser roll croutons that soak up every flavorful bite. This austrian-inspired beef ready in about 145 minutes pairs medium yellow onion, finely chopped, sweet paprika powder, caraway seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 120 min Serves 5 Austrian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds beef stew meat and brown on all sides for 8 minutes. Transfer beef to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 medium finely chopped yellow onions to the pot and sauté over medium heat for 7 minutes until golden and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 tbsp sweet paprika powder and 1 tsp caraway seeds, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot and pour in 4 cups beef stock. Season with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and braise on low for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: While beef cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cut Kaiser rolls cubes and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. Toast, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. Step 6: Serve the braised beef goulash hot topped with the crispy Kaiser roll croutons for added texture and flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Austrian Braised Beef Goulash with Kaiser Roll Croutons take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Austrian Braised Beef Goulash with Kaiser Roll Croutons?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sweet paprika powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Austrian Braised Beef Goulash with Kaiser Roll Croutons?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Austrian Braised Beef Goulash with Kaiser Roll Croutons for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Austrian Braised Beef Goulash with Kaiser Roll Croutons?

Austrian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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