Authentic German Goulash Recipe

Authentic German Goulash Recipe

4 servings
This Authentic German Goulash recipe offers a rich and hearty stew made with tender beef chuck, caramelized onions, carrots, and aromatic spices simmered in red wine and beef stock. Perfect for a comforting meal, this long-simmered dish delivers deep, layered flavors and a luscious, thick gravy, showcasing traditional German culinary techniques.

Ingredients

  • beef chuck

    cut into 1 inch cubes, 2 ½ cm

    2 ¼ lb
  • onions
    2 ¼ lb
  • carrots
    2 medium
  • celeriac or 2-3 celery stalks
    1 piece
  • clarified butter
    2 tbsp
  • tomato paste
    2 tbsp
  • sweet paprika
    1 ½ tsp
  • hot paprika (smoked or unsmoked
    1 tsp
  • dry red wine
    3 c
  • low sodium beef stock
    1 ¼ c
  • bay leaves
    3
  • marjoram
    1 tsp
  • caraway seeds
    ½ tsp
  • Fine sea salt or Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch (2 ½ cm) cubes and set aside. Chop the onions, carrots, and celeriac (or celery stalks) into small pieces to ensure even cooking.

  2. 2

    Heat the clarified butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celeriac along with a pinch of salt. Cook while stirring frequently for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are deeply golden brown but not burnt. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent sticking.

  3. 3

    Stir in the tomato paste and cook continuously for about 2 minutes to enhance its flavor and allow slight browning. Then add the sweet paprika and hot paprika powders, stirring well to combine with the vegetables.

  4. 4

    Pour in the dry red wine and low sodium beef stock. Add bay leaves, dried marjoram, caraway seeds, and freshly ground black pepper. Do not add salt yet as the stock may contain sodium.

  5. 5

    Add the cubed beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the goulash to simmer gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the flavors meld perfectly.

  6. 6

    Taste the goulash and season with fine sea salt or Kosher salt and additional black pepper as needed to balance the flavors.

  7. 7

    If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid and continue simmering the goulash for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. This will reduce the liquid and create a glossy, thick gravy, though this step is optional as the sauce typically thickens sufficiently during cooking.

Authentic German Goulash Recipe

Authentic German Goulash Recipe

155 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Experience the Richness of Authentic German Goulash

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this Authentic German Goulash recipe, a truly hearty stew that promises to warm you from the inside out. Forget bland imitations; this traditional German dish showcases the deep, layered flavors that come from patient cooking and quality ingredients. Featuring fork-tender beef chuck, sweet caramelized onions, and a vibrant medley of aromatic spices like sweet and hot paprika, marjoram, and caraway, every spoonful is an invitation to savor.

What truly sets this German goulash apart is its luxurious, thick gravy, achieved through a slow simmer in rich red wine and savory beef stock. The long cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a satisfying and unforgettable meal. This isn't just a recipe; it's a journey into classic German culinary techniques designed to bring a truly authentic taste to your table.

Tips for a Perfect Pot of Goulash

  • Searing the Beef: Don't rush this step! A good sear on your beef chuck cubes creates a flavorful crust that locks in juices and adds depth to the stew.
  • Caramelizing Onions: Patience is key here. Slowly caramelizing the ample amount of onions is crucial for developing the foundational sweetness and richness of the gravy.
  • Spice Balance: Adjust the hot paprika and caraway seeds to your personal preference. The balance of sweet and spicy paprika is a hallmark of a great paprika goulash.

Serving Your Hearty German Stew

This traditional German recipe is wonderfully versatile. Serve your goulash with classic accompaniments like:

  • Spaetzle: Small German egg noodles, perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
  • Boiled potatoes or mashed potatoes: Simple yet satisfying.
  • Crusty bread: Ideal for mopping up every last drop.
  • Sauerkraut or red cabbage: A tangy contrast to the rich stew.

This beef stew is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a dish that embodies warmth, tradition, and incredible flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions