Slow-Braised Czech Beef Goulash with Caraway

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

A hearty stew featuring tender chunks of beef slowly cooked with caraway seeds and paprika, quintessential flavors from Prague's traditional cuisine. This czech-inspired beef ready in about 150 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, large yellow onion, diced, 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: 130 min Serves 4 Czech cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lb beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp sweet paprika, and 1 tsp crushed caraway seeds; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot, sprinkle 1 tbsp all-purpose flour over the meat, and stir to coat evenly, cooking for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 3 cups beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  6. Step 6: Simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: If the sauce is too thick, stir in up to 1 cup water to reach desired consistency and simmer for an additional 10 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Czech Beef Goulash with Caraway take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (20 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 Slow-Braised Czech Beef Goulash with Caraway?

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 beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Czech Beef Goulash with Caraway?

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 Slow-Braised Czech Beef Goulash with Caraway 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 Slow-Braised Czech Beef Goulash with Caraway?

Czech 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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