Sauerkraut and Beef Goulash with Paprika

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

A rustic Hungarian-inspired goulash combining tender beef chunks with tangy sauerkraut and smoky paprika for deep flavor. This hungarian-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, vegetable oil, large, sliced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Hungarian cuisine 430 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 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown the beef on all sides for 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp sweet paprika, and 1 tsp caraway seeds, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot along with 2 tbsp tomato paste, stirring to coat. Pour in 3 cups beef broth and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour until beef is tender.
  6. Step 6: Add 3 cups drained sauerkraut, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well and simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot topped with 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Sauerkraut and Beef Goulash with Paprika?

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 Sauerkraut and Beef Goulash with Paprika?

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 Sauerkraut and Beef Goulash with Paprika 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 Sauerkraut and Beef Goulash with Paprika?

Hungarian 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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