Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash with Paprika and Caraway

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

Hearty Hungarian-style beef goulash slow simmered with sweet paprika, caraway seeds, and tender vegetables for deep flavor. This Hungarian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 200 minutes, pairs beef chuck, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 180 min Serves 6 Hungarian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 800 g beef chuck cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 3 tbsp sweet paprika, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until deep brown on all sides, transferring browned meat to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 large sliced onions and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 6-7 minutes until soft and golden.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp crushed caraway seeds, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pot, pour in 600 ml beef broth, add 2 bay leaves, 1 large diced red bell pepper, and 2 sliced carrots.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and serve the goulash hot with bread or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash with Paprika and Caraway take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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-Cooked Beef Goulash with Paprika and 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash with Paprika and 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-Cooked Beef Goulash with Paprika and Caraway 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash with Paprika and Caraway?

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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