German Goulash Recipe – A Comforting and Flavorful Dish
If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food, this German Goulash is the perfect dish. Packed with rich flavors, tender beef, and a deliciously thick sauce, this dish is inspired by Hungarian goulash but has its own unique German twist. Whether served over egg noodles or traditional German spätzle, this hearty stew is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Goulash:
1 large yellow onion, peeled and chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 red chili, stem removed, deseeded, and finely chopped
2-3 strips of bacon (optional, for extra flavor)
2 lbs (900g) stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp caraway seeds
Zest of half a lemon
2 tbsp Hungarian-style sweet paprika
½ cup red wine (or substitute with more beef broth)
1½ cups beef broth (or 2 cups if skipping wine)
1 green bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
For the Thickening Slurry:
1 tbsp crème fraîche
1 tbsp flour
1-2 tbsp stew sauce (to help mix the slurry)
For Serving:
Egg noodles or German spätzle
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion, garlic, and red chili. Set them aside.
Step 2: Render the Bacon Fat (Optional)
In a large braiser or lidded pan, turn the heat to medium and add the bacon strips. Let them release their fat until crispy. If skipping bacon, use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Once the bacon has released enough fat, remove it and begin searing the beef in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the beef to steam instead of sear. Season each batch with salt and pepper, and brown each side for about 1 minute. Once all the beef is browned, set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and chili to the pan. Stir-fry until lightly browned.
Step 5: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the tomato paste, caraway seeds, lemon zest, and paprika. Quickly deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Step 6: Simmer the Goulash
Pour in the beef broth and return the seared beef to the pan. Ensure the beef is fully submerged. If needed, add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Step 7: Add the Bell Peppers
After the first simmering period, add the diced green and red bell peppers. Stir, cover again, and let simmer for another 45 minutes.
Step 8: Thicken the Goulash
To make a slurry, mix crème fraîche and flour in a small bowl. Add a bit of the stew sauce to the mixture, then stir it into the goulash. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the German goulash over egg noodles or spätzle, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy this comforting dish!
Final Thoughts
This German goulash is rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. The slow cooking process ensures that the beef is incredibly tender, while the paprika, red wine, and caraway seeds create a beautifully complex sauce. Try this recipe and experience the taste of traditional German comfort food!
If you make this dish, don’t forget to take a picture and share it. Happy cooking!
