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Creamy German Goulash: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

This Creamy German Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beef chuck simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with sweet and smoked paprika, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Finished with sour cream for a luscious creamy texture, this hearty dish is perfect served over 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 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 Bases

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 cup Beef broth
  • 1 cup Dry red wine (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced tomatoes, undrained

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sour cream
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Serving Suggestion

  • Noodles or Spätzle, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to remove moisture which helps in proper browning. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for flavor.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. In batches, add the beef in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, and brown on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until a deep, rich brown crust forms. Remove browned beef and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Onions: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, which will sweeten and deepen their flavor.
  4. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to bloom the spices and release their aromas without burning the garlic.
  5. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring continuously to caramelize it and develop deeper flavor for the goulash base.
  6. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits (fond) which adds rich flavor.
  7. Return Beef and Add Vegetables: Return browned beef to the pot along with diced tomatoes (with juice), red and yellow bell peppers. Stir to combine.
  8. Simmer the Goulash: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender, stirring occasionally and adding more broth if needed to keep beef covered.
  9. Add Potatoes and Continue Simmering: After at least 2 hours of simmering, add cubed potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  10. Finish with Sour Cream and Flour: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the all-purpose flour until smooth. Stir this mixture into the goulash to thicken the sauce and add creamy texture. Heat gently without boiling to avoid curdling.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot over noodles or Spätzle for a classic German comfort meal.

Notes

  • Patting the beef dry before browning is essential for a good sear and deep flavor.
  • Simmering low and slow develops tender beef and a rich sauce.
  • Adding sour cream off heat prevents it from curdling and ensures a creamy finish.
  • Use red wine if possible for enhanced depth of flavor, but it can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Serve with traditional German noodles like Spätzle or egg noodles for an authentic experience.

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

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