Print

Creamy German Goulash: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Creamy German Goulash: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

This creamy German goulash is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender beef chuck slow-simmered with onions, bell peppers, paprika, and a rich tomato base. Enhanced with a splash of red wine and finished with a creamy sour cream sauce, this classic recipe is perfect served over noodles or Spätzle, delivering a satisfying and flavorful meal ideal for cold evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasonings

  • 2 lbs Beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp Sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Caraway seeds
  • 1/2 tsp Marjoram
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional)

Vegetables and Liquids

  • 2 large Onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 cup Beef broth
  • 1 cup Dry red wine (optional, but recommended)
  • 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

For Thickening and Garnish

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

Optional Serving Suggestion

  • Noodles or Spätzle, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a good sear.
  2. Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer without overcrowding and brown on all sides (about 3-4 minutes each side). Remove and set aside; repeat until all beef is browned.
  3. Sauté Onions: In the same pot, add chopped onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute while stirring to release the spices’ aroma.
  5. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste, cooking and stirring for another minute to intensify flavor and prevent raw taste.
  6. Deglaze Pot: Pour in beef broth and red wine if using, scraping the bottom to loosen browned bits, which adds depth to the sauce.
  7. Return Beef: Add the browned beef back into the pot to combine flavors.
  8. Add Vegetables: Stir in diced tomatoes with juice, red and yellow bell peppers for sweetness and color.
  9. Simmer Goulash: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours until beef is very tender. Check occasionally and add broth if needed to keep beef submerged.
  10. Add Potatoes: After 2 hours, add peeled and cubed potatoes. Continue simmering covered for 30-45 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  11. Mix Sour Cream and Flour: In a small bowl, whisk sour cream and all-purpose flour together until smooth to prevent curdling when added.
  12. Temper Sour Cream: Spoon some hot goulash liquid into the sour cream mixture, whisking to gradually raise its temperature.
  13. Combine Sauces: Slowly stir the tempered sour cream mixture back into the pot to thicken and add creaminess.
  14. Season: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for balanced flavor.
  15. Final Simmer: Let the goulash simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken but not boil to avoid curdling.
  16. Serve: Spoon hot goulash into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with noodles or traditional Spätzle for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For an authentic flavor, use a combination of sweet and smoked paprika.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, add more flour to the sour cream mixture.
  • Red wine enhances the dish but can be omitted to keep it alcohol-free.
  • Do not boil the goulash after adding sour cream, as it may cause curdling.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
  • Serve with crusty bread if noodles or Spätzle are unavailable.

Nutrition

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

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