Easy & Flavorful One-Pot Goulash Recipe

This hearty goulash recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal. Just imagine some tender chunks of stewing beef simmering with aromatic onions, garlic, and paprika, then mixed with potatoes and carrots, all in a rich, flavorful broth. The result? A one-pot dish that’s both filling and delicious—ideal for sharing with family or friends. This goulash recipe takes comfort food to the next level, with bold flavors and simple ingredients. Let’s dive into how you can make this easy, flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make One-Pot Goulash?

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• • 3 Tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil works best)
  • 2 pounds stewing beef, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 medium onions, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 Tablespoons paprika (use sweet paprika for a milder flavor or smoked paprika for a more intense flavor)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 800 ml beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 400 g can of chopped tomatoes (you can use fresh if preferred)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and diced

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the crushed garlic cloves and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

2. In a separate bowl, dredge the stewing beef in flour. Once the garlic is done, add the beef to the pot. Cook the beef for 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure it’s browned on all sides.

2. Sprinkle the paprika over the beef and onion mixture, stirring to combine the spices. The paprika adds a lovely, smoky depth to the dish. Next, slowly pour in about 1/4 cup of beef broth, stirring to deglaze the bottom of the pot and lift any flavorful bits that may have stuck to the bottom.

3. Once the pan is deglazed, add the remaining beef broth, chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, diced carrots, and potatoes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.

4. When already boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the goulash simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on the potatoes and beef to make sure everything cooks evenly.

5. When the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Ladle the goulash into bowls and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad, but it’s hearty enough to stand on its own.

Goulash Recipe Tips and Variations

• Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or peas to make this dish even more nutritious.
• If you don’t have stewing beef, ground beef is a great alternative for a quicker cooking time.
• For a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of flour and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it in during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper to the goulash.
• To make this dish even easier, you can transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker after browning the beef and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Health Benefits of Goulash

While goulash is often considered a comfort food, it can also be packed with nutrients, especially when you add plenty of vegetables. Stewing beef is a great source of protein and iron, which are essential for muscle growth and energy. The carrots and potatoes provide fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and maintaining a healthy weight.

The richness of beef broth offers a savory depth of flavor, while the addition of tomatoes provides antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene. Paprika, the star spice in this dish, has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants, adding both flavor and health benefits to your meal.

For a lighter version, you can use lean beef or reduce the amount of oil, making it a heart-healthier option.

Why You’ll Love This Goulash Recipe

Goulash is one of those dishes that has been passed down through generations, and each family has their own version. Whether you know it as Hungarian goulash, American goulash, or just a simple beef stew, one thing is for sure—it’s pure comfort on a plate. So, if you’ve never made goulash before, this easy, flavorful one-pot version is the perfect introduction. Not only does it come together with minimal effort, but the combination of beef, vegetables, and rich broth will make it a new family favorite!

Make Your Goulash Recipe Today!

Goulash is one of those timeless recipes that everyone loves. It’s hearty, comforting, and so easy to make, which is why it’s a go-to for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. This one-pot goulash recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, but it also makes great leftovers for the next day. You’ll love how the flavors deepen after sitting overnight in the fridge!

And, while it’s simple to make, it’s bursting with flavor, making it the ideal comfort food.

Kitchen Tools You Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven: For simmering all the ingredients and creating a rich, flavorful broth.
• Wooden spoon: To stir the goulash without damaging your pot.
• Chef’s knife: To chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes.
• Cutting board: To keep your kitchen mess-free while prepping the ingredients.

Click here to shop these essential kitchen tools and make cooking even easier!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I use ground beef instead of stewing beef?

Yes, ground beef is an excellent substitution for stewing beef. If using ground beef, you won’t need to brown it for as long—just cook it until it’s browned through. Ground beef also cooks faster than stewing beef, so you can skip the simmering time or reduce it to around 45 minutes for a quicker meal.

What other vegetables can I add to goulash?

You can add a variety of vegetables to goulash to suit your tastes. Try adding bell peppers, celery, peas, or green beans. If you want to add leafy greens, spinach or kale will also work well. Just be sure to cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze goulash! After it cools down, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it in a pot or microwave until hot.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this goulash recipe gluten-free. Simply swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to dredge the beef. Ensure that your beef broth and canned tomatoes are gluten-free as well.

What can I serve with goulash?

Goulash is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or steamed rice. You could also serve it with buttered noodles or mashed potatoes for a filling meal.