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Creamy German Goulash: The Ultimate Comfort Food

A flavorful German Goulash that combines traditional techniques with modern convenience. This ultimate comfort food features tender beef chuck in a rich, creamy paprika sauce with vegetables.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: European, German
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large onions chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 1/2 tsp marjoram
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine optional but recommended
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes undrained, 1 can
  • 1 red bell pepper cored, seeded, and chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper cored, seeded, and chopped
  • 1 lb potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl for sour cream mixture
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil if needed.
  3. Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
  7. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.
  8. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Check occasionally and add more beef broth if needed to keep the beef covered in liquid.
  9. After the goulash has simmered for at least 2 hours, add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  10. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and all-purpose flour until smooth. Take a spoonful of the hot goulash liquid and whisk it into the sour cream mixture.
  11. Slowly stir the sour cream mixture into the goulash. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  12. Simmer the goulash for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Do not boil after adding the sour cream.
  13. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Pat beef dry before browning for better sear. Don't overcrowd pot when browning beef. Check occasionally during simmering and add more broth if needed. Do not boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling. Traditionally served with noodles or Spaetzle.
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