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How to Make Goulash – Oma's Gulasch Rezept

Learn how to make goulash, aka Gulasch, the way Oma makes it. This classic dish of tender beef and root vegetables in a delectable gravy is the ultimate comfort food. Try serving it with a little sour cream stirred in for a special treat.

Oh, and do try my German Goulash Soup as well!

Servings:

This will make 6 servings.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) butter or olive oil, more if needed
• 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) boneless beef chuck or round steak, cut into approx ¾-inch cubes
• 3–4 large onions, coarsely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (32 grams) tomato paste
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1–2 tablespoons (7–14 grams) sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) red wine (or water)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth, beef stock, or bouillon cubes & water
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon each salt and black pepper
• 3 tablespoons (24 grams) cornstarch

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown meat in two batches in the butter or oil over high heat, removing browned beef chunks to a bowl.
2. Add onions and garlic (if using) and fry until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add extra butter/oil if needed. Stir in tomato paste and fry for about 1 minute.
3. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the cornstarch, stirring up the browned bits at the bottom of the pot, and add the browned beef.
4. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cover.
5. Simmer for about 1½ hours, or until meat is tender.
6. Mix cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir in just as much as is needed for a thicker consistency.
7. Check seasonings and adjust as needed. Remove the bay leaf and serve.

Notes/Hints:

• Try adding 1 pound green beans.
• Try adding green and/or red bell peppers.
• You can add the carrots after the goulash has simmered 45 minutes if you like it to have a bit more texture.
• Try adding 1 or 2 tsp caraway seeds with onions and garlic. 1 tsp thyme is also a nice addition.
• You can add about 4 potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes, if you wish to make this more of a stew. Add it when you add the carrots.
• Adding cayenne pepper gives a bit of spice. Or, try adding Montreal Steak Seasoning (totally non-German, but Opa and I like the 'kick' it gives!)
• You can also use a slow cooker to make goulash. 

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02.17.2022 revision update