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Creamy German Goulash

Creamy German Goulash: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

This Creamy German Goulash offers a hearty embrace in a bowl, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: German
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Goulash
  • 2 lbs Beef chuck Main protein source providing heartiness; substitute with pork or beef stew meat.
  • 2 large Onions Sweet or yellow onions work best.
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil Can be replaced with vegetable or canola oil.
  • 2 tbsp Sweet paprika Primary spice offering flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Smoked paprika Optional for deeper taste.
  • 1 tsp Caraway seeds Can be omitted if unavailable.
  • 1/2 tsp Marjoram Can be substituted with oregano.
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper Provides heat; adjust to taste.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Can use garlic powder (1 tsp) in a pinch.
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste Adds richness and sweetness.
  • 1 cup Beef broth Use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Dry red wine Optional for enhanced depth of flavor.
  • 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes Undrained.
  • 1 Red bell pepper Yellow or green peppers may be used instead.
  • 1 Yellow bell pepper Similar role to red bell pepper.
  • 1 lb Potatoes Peeled and cubed.
  • 1 cup Sour cream Can substitute with crème fraîche.
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour Can use cornstarch for gluten-free.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper For seasoning to taste.
  • Fresh parsley For garnish.
  • Noodles or Spätzle Optional serving suggestion.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy German Goulash
  1. Begin by generously seasoning the beef chuck cubes with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a heavy Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
  3. In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook over medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes until soft.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Add tomato paste to the pot and allow it to cook and caramelize for about 1 minute.
  6. Pour in beef broth and dry red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Return browned beef to the pot and add diced tomatoes, along with chopped bell peppers. Stir to combine.
  8. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, cover, and let it cook on low heat for 2-3 hours.
  9. After simmering, add cubed potatoes to the goulash and continue to simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes.
  10. In a small bowl, mix sour cream with flour until smooth. Temper this mixture by adding a spoonful of hot liquid from the pot.
  11. Stir the sour cream mixture back into the goulash and allow to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until thickened.
  12. Ladle the goulash into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside noodles or spaetzle.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg

Notes

This goulash gets better with time; it's perfect for make-ahead meals and tastes even more flavorful the next day.

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