Description
This Easy Hungarian Goulash is a rich and comforting stew featuring tender beef cooked slowly with smoked turkey bacon and vibrant sweet paprika. Infused with aromatic vegetables and natural spices, it delivers a hearty, smoky, and flavorful experience perfect for cozy family dinners any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 2 lbs beef chuck, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 6 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped into small strips
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
Spices and Flavorings
- 3 tbsp sweet paprika (natural)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
Thickener
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces and chop the smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Slice the onions thinly and mince the garlic. Cut carrots and bell peppers into similar sized chunks for even cooking.
- Brown the Meat and Bacon: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon first to render fat and infuse smoky aroma. Remove crispy strips and set aside. Brown the beef pieces in the bacon fat until golden on all sides to build a deep savory base.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Lower heat slightly. Add onions and garlic to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle sweet paprika generously, add black pepper and bay leaves. Stir continuously to avoid burning. Mix in tomato paste to enrich the stew with subtle tang.
- Combine All Ingredients and Simmer: Return browned beef and smoked turkey bacon to the pot. Add carrots, bell peppers, beef broth, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Thicken the Stew: Sprinkle the natural gelling agent and stir well. Cook for another 5-10 minutes to achieve a luscious, hearty consistency.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet paprika (natural) for brighter, authentic flavor.
- Brown meat in batches to ensure deep caramelization.
- Allow slow simmer to develop tender texture and rich taste.
- Add natural gelling agent at the end to control thickness.
- Let stew rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Hungarian goulash, beef stew, smoked turkey bacon, paprika stew, comforting meal, one-pot stew, cozy dinner
