Description
Creamy German Goulash is a rich and hearty main dish featuring tender beef cubes simmered in a flavorful paprika-infused sauce, enriched with sour cream for a luscious texture. This comforting meal is perfect for chilly evenings and pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like spaetzle, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons paprika (preferably Hungarian or sweet)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground caraway seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional sides: Spaetzle or mashed potatoes, crusty bread for dipping
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides for 5–7 minutes until nicely seared. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to preserve the flavorful crust.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pan, add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Add spices: Stir in the paprika, ground caraway seeds (if using), and dried thyme. Allow the spices to bloom in the pan for 1–2 minutes, which enhances their flavors.
- Simmer with broth: Return the browned beef cubes into the pan. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded perfectly.
- Add sour cream: Remove the lid and stir in the sour cream to enrich the sauce. Simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the goulash for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot alongside traditional German spaetzle, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a truly comforting meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use Hungarian sweet paprika.
- Caraway seeds add a subtle earthiness but are optional if unavailable or if you prefer a milder flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Leftovers taste great and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Spaetzle, a traditional German egg noodle, is an excellent side but mashed potatoes or crusty bread work well for soaking up the sauce.
