Rich, hearty, and packed with deep, savory flavors, this German Goulash is the perfect comfort food! Made with tender beef, onions, and a flavorful broth, this slow-simmered stew is warm, satisfying, and perfect for chilly days. Serve it with bread, noodles, or potatoes for an authentic, cozy meal.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Why You’ll Love This German Goulash
- Rich & Flavorful: Slow-cooked with spices and herbs for deep, bold flavors.
- Tender & Juicy Beef: Simmered until melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
- Easy One-Pot Meal: Simple ingredients, but big taste!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients for German Goulash
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (or oregano)
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 large potatoes, diced (optional, for a heartier stew)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
How to Make German Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in batches, searing them until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Onions & Garlic
- In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook until golden and caramelized (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.
- Stir in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, caraway seeds, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and marjoram.
Step 4: Simmer the Goulash
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After 1 hour, add diced carrots and potatoes (if using).
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Once the beef is tender and the broth has thickened slightly, remove bay leaves.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with buttered egg noodles (Spaetzle) for a classic touch.
- Serve with potato dumplings or mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy with a side of sauerkraut or red cabbage.
Tips for the Best German Goulash
- Use Good-Quality Beef: Chuck roast or stew meat works best.
- Low & Slow Cooking: The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
- Caramelize the Onions: This adds a deep, slightly sweet flavor.
- For a Thicker Goulash: Simmer uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
Q2: What’s the difference between German and Hungarian Goulash?
A: Hungarian Goulash is more soup-like with more paprika, while German Goulash is thicker and often includes potatoes and carrots.
Q3: Can I make this spicy?
A: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
Conclusion: A Hearty, Classic Comfort Food!
This German Goulash is rich, savory, and full of deep flavors—perfect for a cozy night in. Whether served over noodles or with crusty bread, it’s guaranteed to warm you up!
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your culinary creations.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Enjoy this delicious, comforting dish with your favorite sides and share it with loved ones!
Print
German Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Description
Rich, hearty, and packed with deep, savory flavors, this German Goulash is the perfect comfort food! Made with tender beef, onions, and a flavorful broth, this slow-simmered stew is warm, satisfying, and perfect for chilly days. Serve it with bread, noodles, or potatoes for an authentic, cozy meal.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (or oregano)
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 large potatoes, diced (optional, for a heartier stew)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in batches, searing them until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Onions & Garlic
- In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook until golden and caramelized (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.
- Stir in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, caraway seeds, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and marjoram.
Step 4: Simmer the Goulash
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After 1 hour, add diced carrots and potatoes (if using).
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Once the beef is tender and the broth has thickened slightly, remove bay leaves.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use Good-Quality Beef: Chuck roast or stew meat works best.
- Low & Slow Cooking: The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
- Caramelize the Onions: This adds a deep, slightly sweet flavor.
- For a Thicker Goulash: Simmer uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Cuisine: American
