Authentic Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe (Gulyásleves)

Name: Authentic Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe (Gulyásleves)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Comfort
Ingredients: 900 g Beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 large Yellow onions, finely chopped; 45 g Lard or sunflower oil; 30 g Sweet Hungarian Paprika (imported); 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced; 5 g Caraway seeds, crushed; 960 ml Beef bone broth; 3 potatoes + 2 carrots Waxy potatoes & carrots, peeled and cubed; 1 whole Hungarian wax pepper or bell pepper, diced

Jump to Recipe Step-by-Step

Humble pantry staples can create an extraordinary Authentic Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe (Gulyásleves) when treated with proper heat and technique. This recipe celebrates beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes, yellow onions, finely and lard or sunflower oil in under 2 hr, providing a reliable, flavor-packed dish you will want to make again and again.

Ingredients

6 servings

2 lbs Beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 large (about 450g) Yellow onions, finely chopped
3 tbsp Lard or sunflower oil
3 tbsp Sweet Hungarian Paprika (imported)
4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Caraway seeds, crushed
4 cups Beef bone broth
3 potatoes, 2 carrots Waxy potatoes & carrots, peeled and cubed
1 whole Hungarian wax pepper or bell pepper, diced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt lard in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Sauté chopped onions for **15 minutes** until soft, golden, and sweet.

Remove pot from heat. Stir in sweet paprika, caraway seeds, and garlic for **1 minute**. Immediately return to heat and add beef and 1 cup broth.

Cover tightly; **simmer gently on low heat for 1 hour** until beef is tender and juices release.

Add potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and remaining broth. **Simmer for 25 minutes** until vegetables are fork-tender. Season with salt and serve hot.

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

Cooking onions low and slow in lard provides the essential sweet aromatic base for the entire stew.
Serve with crusty rye bread and pickled hot peppers.

1. Let the Meat Rest Before Slicing: Transfer cooked meat to a cutting board for 5–10 minutes before carving. Resting allows tight muscle fibers to relax and redistribute savory juices evenly throughout the cut. 2. Protect Minced Garlic from Burning: Garlic cooks and turns fragrant in just 30 to 45 seconds. Add it toward the end of sautéing onions or aromatics so it perfumes the dish without acquiring a bitter edge. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Cooking onions low and slow in lard provides the essential sweet aromatic base for the entire stew.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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What if the Sauce for Authentic Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe (Gulyásleves) Separates or Feels Greasy?: If a dairy or emulsion sauce breaks, immediately take the pan off direct heat. Vigorously whisk in a tablespoon of hot water, broth, or cream until the velvety sheen re-emulsifies.
How to Rescue a Dish That Tastes Overly Salty?: Dilute with additional unsalted liquid (broth, cream, or water), or splash in a small touch of acid like fresh lemon juice or vinegar to soften sharp salinity.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat until steaming hot throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, this dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, kept covered in the refrigerator, and baked or cooked when ready to serve.

Q: Can I substitute common pantry ingredients? A: Yes, this recipe is forgiving. Check our substitution notes in the ingredient card for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives.

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Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 of 6)

440 Calories

26g Carbs 9% DV

38g Protein 76% DV

20g Fat 26% DV

5g Fiber 18% DV

610mg Sodium 27% DV

Carbs 24% Protein 35% Fat 41%

*Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet (USDA FoodData Central).

Quick Info

Cuisine Comfort
Dietary High-Protein, Dairy-Free
Total Time 2 hr
Yield 6 servings

Chef Amara

Passionate culinary explorer, recipe tester, and culinary director at YumAroma.

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Authentic Hungarian Beef Goulash Recipe (Gulyásleves)

Ingredients

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