Authentic German Goulash Recipe – Easy Hearty Beef Stew
If you’re craving a cozy, slow-simmered meal, this Authentic German Goulash delivers deep flavor, tender beef, and old-world comfort in every bite. This classic beef stew is rich with sweet and smoked paprika, gently braised onions, and a savory gravy that tastes even better the next day. It’s the kind of hearty dish that warms you from the inside out and makes winter dinners feel extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Authentic German Goulash
- Deep, rich flavor from generous paprika and slow cooking
- Fork-tender beef that melts into the sauce
- Naturally thick gravy without flour or cream
- Family-friendly and alcohol-free while staying traditional
- Perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers
Unlike Hungarian versions, German goulash leans more toward a stew, often served over spaetzle or egg noodles. The onions break down as they cook, creating a velvety base that coats every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2½ lbs beef chuck, cut into large chunks
- 4 tbsp lard or vegetable oil
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large russet potato, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 tbsp sweet paprika
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds
- 1 tbsp dried marjoram
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Sour cream or crème fraîche, for serving
How to Make Authentic German Goulash (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the lard or oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef lightly with salt and pepper, then brown in batches until well-seared. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the same pot. Cook slowly, stirring often, until deeply golden and soft. This step builds the foundation of the goulash’s flavor.
Step 3: Bloom the Spices
Stir in the tomato paste, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 4: Deglaze
Pour in the vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds brightness and balances the richness.
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Return the beef to the pot along with bell pepper, potato, bay leaves, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for 2 to 2½ hours, until the beef is very tender.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with sour cream if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For thicker gravy: Simmer uncovered for the last 20 minutes
- Milder flavor: Use all sweet paprika and skip smoked
- Extra vegetables: Add carrots or mushrooms
- Slow cooker option: Cook on low for 7–8 hours
- Make it ahead: Flavor improves overnight in the fridge
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this authentic German goulash over spaetzle, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. A simple green salad or crusty bread makes it a complete meal.
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers
Authentic German Goulash Recipe – Easy Hearty Beef Stew
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Warm up with Authentic German Goulash—tender beef chuck simmered low and slow in a rich sweet-and-smoked paprika gravy with onions, bell pepper, and potato. Cozy, hearty, and perfect over spaetzle or egg noodles with a cool dollop of sour cream.
Ingredients
2 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
3 large yellow onions, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
4 tbsp lard or vegetable oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 tbsp sweet paprika
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp caraway seeds
1 tbsp dried marjoram
2 bay leaves
4 cups beef broth
1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Sour cream or crème fraîche (for serving)
Cooked egg noodles or spaetzle (for serving)
Instructions
1. Pat beef dry. Heat lard/oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season beef lightly with salt and pepper and brown in batches; transfer to a plate.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until deeply golden and very soft (10–15 minutes).
3. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Add sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram; stir constantly for 30–60 seconds (don’t let paprika burn).
4. Pour in vinegar and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Return beef to the pot. Add bell pepper, potato, bay leaves, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover and simmer on low 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and gravy is rich.
7. Uncover for the last 15–20 minutes if you’d like a thicker gravy. Remove bay leaves.
8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve over spaetzle or egg noodles, top with sour cream, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
Make-ahead: This goulash tastes even better the next day—cool and refrigerate overnight, then reheat gently.
Thicker gravy: Simmer uncovered at the end until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Substitutions: Use vegetable oil instead of lard; swap apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar; use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Serving ideas: Spaetzle, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | ~820mg |
Final Thoughts
This Authentic German Goulash is proof that simple ingredients, cooked with patience, create unforgettable comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or making a big batch for the week, this hearty beef stew is always a winner.