Name: German Beef Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1½ pounds onions chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew beef cubed into 1 to 1 1/2″ pieces; ½ green pepper chopped; 3 cloves garlic minced; ½ tomato seeded and diced (about 1/3 cup); 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika; 2 teaspoons dried marjoram; 1 teaspoon caraway seed; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth or bouillon; ½ cup dry red wine; 1 bay leaf; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

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If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with deep, rich flavors, then I’ve got just the thing for you. My German Beef Goulash Recipe is a fan-freaking-tastic dish that marries tender chunks of beef with sweet paprika and cozy spices, simmered low and slow until everything melts together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up on a chilly weekend, this recipe never fails to warm the soul—and the kitchen! Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through all the tips and tricks to make sure you nail this classic every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich, Layered Flavor: The combination of sweet Hungarian paprika, marjoram, and caraway seeds creates that unmistakable, authentic warmth you want in a goulash.
Tender Beef Every Time: Browning the chuck roast cubes before simmering locks in juices and guarantees melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Flexible Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the oven, stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe adapts without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Balanced Sauce Consistency: You get the perfect thick, silky sauce by letting it gently reduce—no gritty or watery disappointments here.

German Beef Goulash, hearty beef goulash recipe, traditional German goulash, slow cooker beef goulash, easy beef goulash dinner - The image shows a white pot filled with thick, brown beef stew with visible chunks of meat and a few pieces of bay leaf. The stew looks rich and glossy with a hearty texture, and there is a wooden spoon partly dipping into it on the right side. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and the stew has dark brown and reddish hues with small bits of onions and spices mixed in. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this German Beef Goulash Recipe plays an important role, coming together to create a deep, layered flavor profile. From the sweetness of caramelized onions to the zing of caraway seeds, these components are carefully chosen to balance richness and freshness. Before you shop, pick a good quality chuck roast—its marbling is perfect for slow cooking and yields tender beef.

German Beef Goulash, hearty beef goulash recipe, traditional German goulash, slow cooker beef goulash, easy beef goulash dinner - Flat lay of two pounds of cubed fresh beef chuck roast with deep red color, a heap of chopped white onions with a glistening surface, a small pile of diced vibrant green bell pepper, half of a ripe red tomato diced and seeded, three whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a handful of bright green chopped fresh parsley, a glossy bay leaf, a wooden bowl holding a mixture of sweet Hungarian paprika, dried marjoram, and whole caraway seeds, two small white ceramic bowls filled with dark rich tomato paste and golden olive oil, and two small white ceramic bowls containing deep brown beef broth and dark red dry red wine, plus two whole uncracked brown eggs nestled aside, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Onions: They caramelize slowly, adding natural sweetness that forms the flavor base of this dish.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for a subtle fruity note that complements the spices.
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut’s fat content makes it ideal for stews, providing tenderness and mouthwatering richness.
Green Pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the deep flavors.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic punches up the aroma and complexity.
Tomato (seeded and diced): Contributes a slight tang and a hint of acidity to balance the dish.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: The basics for seasoning that enhance every flavor layer.
Sweet Hungarian Paprika: The star spice, giving that classic red color and sweet smoky flavor.
Dried Marjoram: Brings that herby, slightly citrusy note vital for an authentic profile.
Caraway Seed: A little goes a long way in adding that distinctive aroma and subtle earthiness.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Beef Broth or Bouillon: Use low-sodium for control over saltiness and to create a rich cooking liquid.
Dry Red Wine: Adds depth and a touch of acidity, balancing the savory flavors.
Bay Leaf: Infuses a mellow, aromatic flavor as it simmers.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh sprinkle at the end to lift the dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how forgiving this German Beef Goulash Recipe is—you can easily customize it depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. For instance, I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky twist or swap the green pepper with red for a milder, sweeter undertone. You can make it your own without losing that traditional vibe.

Variation: I once tried this with a splash of beer instead of red wine—it added a lovely maltiness that my family adored.
Dietary Adjustments: For a lighter version, swap olive oil with a light vegetable oil and use leaner beef cuts.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne if you like things a bit spicy—it pairs well with the paprika’s sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make German Beef Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize Those Onions Slowly

Start by heating your olive oil over medium heat in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Toss in those chopped onions and sprinkle with half of your kosher salt. Now, this part takes patience—stir occasionally and let the onions soften and turn golden over about 15-20 minutes. This deep sweetness is what really builds the backbone of your goulash, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Brown the Beef for Flavor

Once your onions are lovely and soft, scoop them out and set them aside. Now, season the beef cubes with the rest of the salt and black pepper, then place them in the same pot. Sear the beef over medium-high heat for about 5-10 minutes until it develops a rich brown crust. This step locks in juiciness and adds layers of meaty depth you can literally taste in the finished dish.

Step 3: Build Your Flavorful Stew

Now, stir the onions back into the pot along with chopped green pepper, diced tomato, minced garlic, sweet Hungarian paprika, marjoram, caraway seeds, and tomato paste. Pour in the beef broth and dry red wine, toss in the bay leaf, and bring everything to a gentle boil. You’ll start smelling those comforting spice notes right away—that’s when you know you’re on track!

Step 4: Low and Slow to Tender Perfection

Place the pot’s lid just slightly askew—this little trick lets steam escape and keeps the sauce from becoming watery. Pop the pot into your preheated oven at 325°F and let it cook for about 1½ hours. The beef will become tender, and the sauce will thicken into a luscious, velvety coating that clings to each bite.

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Pro Tips for Making German Beef Goulash Recipe

Patience with Onions: Don’t rush caramelizing them; that natural sweetness is the heart of your sauce.
Use a Heavy Pot or Dutch Oven: It distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots and burning during long cooking.
Don’t Skip Browning: That crust on the beef adds critical depth and flavor in every spoonful.
Check Your Spices’ Freshness: Old paprika or marjoram can dull the flavor—fresh spices make all the difference!

How to Serve German Beef Goulash Recipe

German Beef Goulash, hearty beef goulash recipe, traditional German goulash, slow cooker beef goulash, easy beef goulash dinner - A white plate with a raised dotted edge holds a dish of thick yellow noodles on the bottom right, with a silver fork resting on them. On top and mostly to the left of the noodles, there are large dark brown chunks of meat in rich brown sauce. The sauce is thick and covers most of the meat, with small pieces of green herbs sprinkled over the meat and noodles. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich stew instantly. Sometimes, I’ll dollop a spoonful of sour cream on the side; it adds a luscious creaminess that softens the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This German Beef Goulash Recipe pairs like a dream with classic spaetzle, buttered egg noodles, or even creamy mashed potatoes. I often make a simple green salad on the side to cut through all that richness and keep things balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the goulash in rustic bread bowls—just hollowed-out loaves that soak up the sauce as you eat. It’s cozy and fun and makes even a casual meal feel fancy. Plus, guests love licking the bread clean!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

This goulash freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, defrost overnight in the fridge to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or water when reheating helps loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving on high to keep the beef from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make German Beef Goulash Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and combining the ingredients, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If the sauce seems thin at the end, simply simmer it uncovered on the stove for 45 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
What cut of beef works best for this goulash?

I recommend beef chuck roast or stew beef because of its marbling, which breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, making the meat tender and juicy. Leaner cuts can dry out during the long simmer.
Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot paprika if you want a little heat, or keep it mild by sticking with sweet paprika. The balance between spices is quite forgiving, so feel free to customize.
What should I serve with German Beef Goulash Recipe?

Classic sides like spaetzle, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread work beautifully. I also love a simple green salad for a fresh contrast.

Final Thoughts

This German Beef Goulash Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of cozy evenings spent with family around the table, savoring each hearty bite. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, and I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Believe me, once you nail this recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort meal that never lets you down.

German Beef Goulash Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste