Barbara's Hearty Hungarian Goulash 🍲🥩

Warm up your kitchen and your heart with this comforting Hungarian Goulash recipe! This dish, rich in flavor, is a winter staple and will leave your family asking for seconds. The tender beef, blended with savory spices and thickened to perfection, is best served over fluffy noodles or even crusty bread.

Consider pairing it with a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast, and don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that burst of color! 🌿🥖

Ingredients

For the goulash

• 2 lbs. beef stew meat, cut into 1" cubes
• 2 tablespoons instant minced onion
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika (preferably Hungarian)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup water

For thickening

• ¼ cup flour
• A small amount of cold water

Instructions

1. Combine the Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat into the crockpot. Add the minced onion, ketchup, salt, paprika, brown sugar, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the water until everything is well mixed.

2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 9-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking will make the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.

3. Thicken the Sauce: When the cooking time is nearly done, turn the control to high. In a small bowl, dissolve the flour in a little cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the meat in the crockpot and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

4. Serve: Dish the goulash over cooked noodles for a hearty meal.

🍽️ For an extra touch, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Noodles: This dish is traditionally served over egg noodles but can also be paired with rice or potatoes.
• Bread: Serve with crusty baguette or homemade bread to soak up every last drop of delicious sauce.

Variations

• Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a kick of heat! 🌶️
• Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and potatoes, and use vegetable broth instead of water.
• Stew-like: For a soupier texture, add more water or beef broth, and serve it in a bowl rather than a plate.

Enjoy this delightful classic that brings a taste of Hungary right to your kitchen! 🇭🇺❤️