Braised Viennese Beef Goulash with Paprika and Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and hearty beef stew inspired by traditional Viennese flavors, featuring tender beef slow-cooked with sweet paprika and caramelized onions. This austrian-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs pounds beef chuck, cubed, tablespoons sweet paprika powder, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Austrian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 2 medium sliced yellow onions (about 300 g) and sauté over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until golden and caramelized, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons sweet paprika powder, and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds; cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen the flavor.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned beef to the pot, sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the mixture, and stir well to coat the meat and onions.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 3 cups beef broth and 1 cup water, stirring to combine. Season with 1.5 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  7. Step 7: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  8. Step 8: Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot with your choice of bread or dumplings.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Viennese Beef Goulash with Paprika and Onions take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Braised Viennese Beef Goulash with Paprika and Onions?

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 pounds beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Viennese Beef Goulash with Paprika and Onions?

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 Braised Viennese Beef Goulash with Paprika and Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Braised Viennese Beef Goulash with Paprika and Onions?

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.

Related recipes