Hearty Beef Goulash with Paprika and Carrots

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-simmered tender beef chunks in a rich paprika-spiced sauce with sweet carrots and onions. This austrian-inspired beef ready in about 155 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck, vegetable oil, medium diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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: 130 min Serves 6 Austrian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then brown in batches for 5 minutes per batch until deeply seared. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 diced yellow onions to the pot; sauté for 6-7 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp sweet paprika powder and 1 tsp caraway seeds, cooking for 30 seconds to release aromas. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot along with 3 sliced carrots, 3 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried marjoram, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp all-purpose flour into 1/2 cup cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the goulash and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with crusty bread or buttered noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Beef Goulash with Paprika and Carrots take to make?

Total time is about 155 minutes (25 min prep + 130 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 Hearty Beef Goulash with Paprika and Carrots?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Beef Goulash with Paprika and Carrots?

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 Hearty Beef Goulash with Paprika and Carrots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Hearty Beef Goulash with Paprika and Carrots?

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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