Slow-Cooked Ukrainian Beef Goulash with Paprika and Onions

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

Hearty cubes of beef simmered slowly with sweet onions and smoky paprika create a rich and warming stew perfect for cold days. This ukrainian-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs large, finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, sweet paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 150 min Serves 6 Ukrainian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds of cubed boneless beef chuck and brown thoroughly on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove the beef and add 2 large finely chopped yellow onions to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until soft and golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 tablespoons sweet paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot and add 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 3 cups beef broth, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot garnished with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Ukrainian 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

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

Ukrainian 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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