There is nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of warm, hearty stew on a cold day. When I’m craving that kind of deep, soul-warming flavor, I turn to my **incredible german goulash recipe**. Unlike its Hungarian counterpart, German goulash is often a rich, thick stew with a deeper flavor from the use of a variety of onions and a long simmering process. It’s a classic family dish that has been passed down for generations. The result is a truly tender and delicious meal. You simply have to try this **german goulash recipe** for yourself.
This **german goulash stew recipe** is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an incredibly complex and satisfying meal. The secret is the slow cooking. The long simmering time allows the beef to become fork-tender, and the flavors of the paprika, onions, and beef to meld into a rich and savory gravy. This method for a great **recipe german goulash** is an absolute game-changer. It’s a fantastic meal that will make your kitchen smell amazing. You’ll love this **german goulash recipe** as much as I do.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creates incredibly tender, fall-apart beef.
- Rich, complex flavor that deepens over time.
- Perfect for meal prepping and reheating.
- Can be made in a large batch to feed a crowd.
- The ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening.
When you make this **german goulash recipe**, you’re making more than just a stew. You’re creating a dish with a rich history, a staple of German cuisine that is both nourishing and delicious. While the name might be similar to Hungarian goulash, the German version stands on its own. The focus is on the rich gravy and the tender meat, rather than the vegetables. The **goulash recipe german** is a true culinary masterpiece. This specific **german goulash recipe** is one of the best around.
This **german goulash soup** is a fantastic meal on its own, but it’s also perfect when served with some simple sides. Traditionally, it is served with dumplings, potatoes, or the classic German spaetzle. The rich gravy is perfect for soaking up with some crusty bread. You will love how versatile this dish is. It is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy winter dinner. For a great healthy complement, check out our powerful Elderberry Syrup. For more professional cooking and health tips, you can explore resources from The New York Times Cooking. You will love this **german goulash recipe** and it will be one of your favorite dishes.
The **bavarian goulash** version is similar to the classic German goulash but often includes a touch of beer or wine and sometimes a little sour cream to finish. Our **german goulash recipe** is a classic version that can be easily customized to suit your tastes. You can add a splash of your favorite beer to the sauce for a richer, more authentic Bavarian flavor. You will love how easy it is to customize this **german goulash recipe** and make it your own. It is a perfect base for all your creative cooking.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this **german goulash recipe** are simple and easy to find. The key to the flavor is the paprika. Be sure to use a high-quality paprika, preferably a sweet or half-sharp Hungarian paprika, for the best results. The full list of ingredients for this **german goulash stew recipe** is designed to give you the most authentic taste possible. You won’t find a better **german goulash recipe** than this one.
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tsp marjoram
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: sour cream and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Making a great **german goulash recipe** is a process of layering flavors. The steps are easy to follow and will lead to a perfect, tender result every time. You will be amazed at how a few simple steps can create such a rich and delicious meal. Follow these steps for the perfect **german goulash recipe**.
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Beef: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are very soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Flavor: Stir in the paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir it in for another minute. This is the key to this great **german goulash recipe**.
- Simmer the Goulash: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover and let the **german goulash recipe** simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
Pro Tips
The key to a good **german goulash recipe** is the long, slow cooking time. Do not rush this step. The longer the goulash simmers, the more tender the beef becomes and the richer the flavor. This is what makes a great **german goulash recipe** truly special.
Adding a little red wine or beer in place of some of the beef broth can add another layer of flavor and depth to the goulash. This is a classic **bavarian goulash** tip.
If your gravy is too thin at the end of the cooking process, you can thicken it by mashing some of the onions and beef against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon. This is a simple and effective way to get a thicker sauce. This is a great tip for a perfect **german goulash recipe**.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use other cuts of beef, such as beef round or brisket, but beef chuck is preferred for its fat content and how it breaks down to create a tender stew. The **german goulash stew recipe** is very forgiving. This **german goulash recipe** is designed to be flexible.
If you don’t have fresh marjoram, you can use dried. The general rule is to use one-third of the amount of dried herbs as fresh. You can also use oregano as a substitute if needed.
For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free beef broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This is a fantastic option for a gluten-free diet. The best **german goulash recipe** can be made for any diet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty **german goulash recipe** over a bed of traditional German spaetzle, egg noodles, or with some boiled potatoes. These starchy sides are perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
A side of crusty, rustic bread is a must for dipping. It’s the perfect way to enjoy every last drop of the delicious sauce. The bread adds a great texture and flavor.
Garnish the goulash with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation and a tangy flavor. This is a classic way to serve **goulash recipe german** style.
FAQs About German Goulash
how to make german goulash recipe
To make a **german goulash recipe**, you will first brown cubes of beef chuck. Then, you will sauté a large amount of onions until caramelized. You will then toast the spices before returning the beef to the pot and simmering it all for several hours until the beef is incredibly tender and the sauce is rich and thick. This is a simple and delicious **german goulash recipe** to make.
What is the difference between German and Hungarian goulash?
The main difference between German and Hungarian goulash is the consistency and the use of ingredients. Hungarian goulash is typically more of a soup, while German goulash is a thick stew or gravy-like dish. German goulash also uses a larger quantity of onions, which caramelize and provide a rich base, and often includes caraway seeds and marjoram. The **german goulash recipe** is unique in its own right.
Is goulash a German recipe?
Goulash is a traditional Hungarian dish, but many variations, including the thick, stew-like version, have become a staple in German cuisine. The **german goulash stew recipe** has been adapted over time and is now a beloved part of German culinary tradition, with its own unique characteristics.
What is the best cut of beef for German goulash?
The best cut of beef for German goulash is beef chuck. This cut has a good amount of marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down during the long cooking time, making the meat incredibly tender and juicy. It is the perfect cut for this **recipe german goulash**.
Can you make this German goulash recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this **german goulash recipe** for a slow cooker. Follow the same steps for browning the beef and sautéing the onions on the stovetop. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender. This is a great way to make a **german goulash recipe** on a busy day.
Conclusion
This **german goulash recipe** is the perfect way to bring a taste of authentic German comfort food into your home. The rich, savory flavor and tender beef make it a meal that is both hearty and delicious. It is a fantastic dish for a chilly evening or a special dinner. Enjoy every single bite of this amazing **german goulash recipe**.