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Creamy German Goulash: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 54 reviews

Creamy German Goulash is a rich and hearty comfort food made with tender beef chuck simmered in a flavorful sauce of sweet and smoked paprika, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers. Finished with a smooth sour cream sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy family meal and pairs wonderfully with noodles or Spätzle.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Vegetables

  • 2 lbs Beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large Onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 Red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
  • 1 Yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
  • 1 lb Potatoes, peeled and cubed

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp Sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Caraway seeds
  • 1/2 tsp Marjoram
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Liquids and Others

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 cup Beef broth
  • 1 cup Dry red wine (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 cup Sour cream
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Noodles or Spätzle, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and ensure proper browning.
  2. Brown the beef: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in a single layer without overcrowding, browning them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil if needed.
  3. Sauté onions: Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, developing a sweet base flavor.
  4. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant, releasing the spices’ flavors.
  5. Incorporate tomato paste: Add tomato paste to the pot, cooking for another minute while stirring, to deepen the sauce’s richness.
  6. Add liquids: Pour in the beef broth and dry red wine, if using. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits that add flavor.
  7. Return beef to pot: Place the browned beef back into the pot, mixing well into the liquid and spices.
  8. Add vegetables: Mix in the diced tomatoes with their juice, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper, enhancing color and texture.
  9. Simmer the goulash: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is very tender. Add more broth as needed to keep beef covered.
  10. Add potatoes: After 2 hours of simmering, add the cubed potatoes and continue to simmer, covered, for 30-45 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  11. Prepare sour cream mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and all-purpose flour until smooth, ensuring no lumps.
  12. Temper the sour cream: Gradually whisk a spoonful of hot goulash liquid into sour cream mixture to prevent curdling.
  13. Combine sour cream with goulash: Slowly stir the tempered sour cream mixture back into the pot, blending smoothly into the sauce.
  14. Season to taste: Adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference.
  15. Thicken the sauce: Simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes without boiling, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
  16. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Traditionally accompanied by noodles or Spätzle for a fulfilling meal.

Notes

  • For best flavor, do not rush the browning process of the beef as it adds depth to the dish.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add slightly more flour to the sour cream mixture.
  • Red wine is optional but highly recommended for its depth of flavor; substitute with more beef broth if avoided.
  • Simmer gently after adding sour cream to avoid curdling the sauce.
  • The dish improves in flavor when reheated, making it excellent for leftovers.

Keywords: German goulash, creamy goulash, beef stew, comfort food, paprika beef stew, traditional German recipe

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/creamy-german-goulash-the-ultimate-comfort-food-recipe/