Slow-Simmered Hungarian Beef Goulash with Potatoes and Tomatoes
A hearty Hungarian beef stew slow-cooked with tender potatoes and ripe tomatoes, infused with traditional paprika and aromatic spices. This hungarian-inspired beef ready in about 120 minutes pairs large yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced, sweet paprika powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp sweet paprika powder
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 2 cups diced ripe tomatoes
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until caramelized, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 3 tbsp sweet paprika powder and 1 tsp caraway seeds into the pot, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices without burning.
- Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add 2 cups diced ripe tomatoes, 3 cups beef broth, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
- Step 5: After 1 hour, add 3 medium peeled and chunked potatoes to the pot. Continue simmering uncovered for another 30 minutes until potatoes and beef are tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the stew just before serving for a fresh finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Hungarian Beef Goulash with Potatoes and Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 120 minutes (20 min prep + 100 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-Simmered Hungarian Beef Goulash with Potatoes and Tomatoes?
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 large yellow onion, diced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Hungarian Beef Goulash with Potatoes and Tomatoes?
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-Simmered Hungarian Beef Goulash with Potatoes and Tomatoes 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-Simmered Hungarian Beef Goulash with Potatoes and Tomatoes?
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.
