Goulash, my friends, is the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside. Imagine tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, creamy sauce that dances with flavors and whispers sweet nothings of paprika and herbs to your taste buds. Each bite envelops you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, making it the perfect comfort food for those moments when life seems a bit too much.
I remember the first time I made Creamy German Goulash. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was trying to win over my skeptical husband who thought he was just fine without ever eating anything resembling “stew.” Little did he know, this dish would soon become his ultimate favorite. With its tantalizing aroma wafting through our home, I could almost hear his stomach growling in anticipation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy German goulash offers an effortless preparation method that anyone can master
- The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, with comforting notes of paprika and tender beef
- Its visual appeal will impress your guests, making it a centerpiece at any gathering
- Plus, this dish is versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike
One memorable evening, I served this dish to friends during a game night. They were all skeptical until they took their first bite; their eyes widened as if they’d stumbled upon the Holy Grail of comfort food.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Beef Chuck Roast: Opt for well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness and flavor; it’s worth it!
Onions: Sweet onions are ideal; they caramelize beautifully and enhance the dish’s depth.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves work best; they give off an irresistible aroma while cooking.
Red Paprika: Hungarian paprika adds a sweet smokiness that is essential in goulash.
Carrots: Slice them thinly; they add color and sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Beef Broth: Homemade or store-bought works; just ensure it’s low-sodium to control saltiness.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang; don’t skimp on quality!
Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish; it brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy German Goulash
Sear the Beef: Start by cutting the beef chuck roast into bite-sized cubes. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Add the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Once all the beef is seared, toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma—about 3-4 minutes should do it.
Introduce Paprika & Veggies: Sprinkle in red paprika and stir well to coat everything evenly. Add sliced carrots next and cook for another 2-3 minutes while marveling at how beautiful everything looks together.
Pour in Broth & Simmer: Pour beef broth over your mixture until everything is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
Add Cream & Finish Off: After simmering, remove from heat and stir in sour cream gradually until fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed—trust me, this step makes all the difference!
Enjoy watching your family devour every last spoonful of this delightful creamy German goulash!
You Must Know
- Creamy German Goulash is not just a satisfying meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl
- The rich flavors and comforting textures make it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
- Plus, it freezes well, ensuring you always have comfort food on hand
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat to enhance flavor, then sauté onions and spices before adding liquids for a rich broth.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a splash of red wine for depth. Customize it to match your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When using beef, choose chuck roast for tenderness
- Always let your goulash sit for flavors to meld beautifully
- Adding a dollop of sour cream at serving elevates the dish’s creaminess!
Cooking goulash reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, filled with laughter and the aroma of spices dancing in the air.
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of beef in creamy German goulash?
Absolutely! Chicken thigh works well and will still give you that creamy goodness.
What sides pair best with creamy German goulash?
Serve it with crusty bread or buttery egg noodles for a complete meal experience.
How can I thicken my creamy German goulash?
Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the goulash while simmering until thickened.
Creamy German Goulash
Creamy German Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beef simmered in a luscious sauce enriched with paprika and herbs. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings, wrapping you in warmth with every bite. Easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests, this goulash will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium sweet onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Hungarian red paprika
- 2 medium carrots, sliced thinly
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Sear the beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat with oil. Brown beef cubes in batches for about 5-7 minutes.
- 2. Add aromatics: Stir in onions and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- 3. Introduce spices and veggies: Mix in paprika and sliced carrots; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- 4. Simmer: Pour in beef broth until submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 1.5 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
- 5. Finish with cream: Remove from heat and stir in sour cream gradually. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating mushrooms or bell peppers. If desired, a splash of red wine can enhance the flavor profile. This goulash freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
