
Experience the rich, smoky flavors of a traditional Hungarian Beef Goulash. This slow-cooked stew features tender beef chuck, vibrant paprika, and hearty vegetables for a comforting meal that melts in your mouth.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). For a fan-forced oven, use 160°C. While this recipe is optimized for the oven, you can also use a slow cooker or stovetop if preferred.
Season the beef chuck cubes evenly with half of the salt and black pepper.
In a large oven-proof Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 6 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Add the seasoned beef to the pot. Stir for about 2 minutes until the exterior is browned. Note that the beef won't develop a deep golden crust; it just needs to change color from red to brown.
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped capsicum (bell peppers), and tomatoes. Cook for 3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to begin breaking down.
Add the Hungarian paprika, caraway seeds, and bay leaf. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their aroma.
Pour in the beef stock and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 1.5 hours.
Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Stir in the carrots and potatoes. Cover and return to the oven for another 30 minutes. The beef should be "fall-apart" tender; if not, return to the oven for 10-minute increments.
Ladle the hot goulash into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve as is or with crusty bread for dunking.
For the most authentic flavor, ensure you use high-quality Hungarian-style paprika rather than standard smoked or sweet paprika. If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can simmer it uncovered on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce. This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.




