Austrian Braised Beef Goulash with Kaiser Roll Croutons

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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

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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.

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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