The first chilly winds of fall always make me crave something hearty, and that’s when I turn to my favorite comfort food: Creamy German Goulash. Picture this: tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection, enveloped in a rich, paprika-spiced sauce that feels like a warm hug on a blustery evening. The delightful aroma fills my kitchen, drawing family and friends together for the cozy gatherings we all love.
What I adore about this recipe is its ease of preparation and the way it transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful dish that everyone devours. Whether you’re hosting a weekend family dinner or just seeking a soothing meal after a long day, this German goulash invites you to take a seat at the table and savor every bite. Let me show you how to whip up this culinary delight, ensuring warmth and happiness at your dinner table!
Why is Creamy German Goulash a Must-Try?
Hearty Comfort: This Creamy German Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef and creamy potatoes in a savory sauce that warms soul and body.
Simple Preparation: With just a few straightforward steps, even novice cooks can recreate this dish, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The rich, paprika-spiced sauce is a medley of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds, combining savory, sweet, and a hint of spice for a well-rounded taste experience.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties, this hearty goulash will impress your guests and become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
For more cozy meal ideas, check out our guide on dinner recipes that warm the heart.
Creamy German Goulash Ingredients
For the Goulash
- Beef chuck – Provides the main protein, tender and flavorful; substitute with pork or chicken for variations.
- Onions – Adds sweetness and depth; you can use shallots for a milder flavor.
- Olive oil – Used for browning beef and sautéing onions; can replace with vegetable oil.
- Sweet paprika – Essential for flavor and color; smoked paprika can add a smoky touch.
- Smoked paprika – Enhances the smoky, rich flavor; omit if unavailable, increasing sweet paprika for flavor.
- Caraway seeds – Adds a unique, nutty flavor profile; omit if not preferred.
- Marjoram – Offers an aromatic herbal note; substitute with oregano if needed.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – Introduces a hint of heat; adjust or omit according to taste.
- Garlic – Provides savoriness and aroma; fresh cloves are preferred, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
- Tomato paste – Contributes richness and umami; replace with crushed tomatoes in a pinch.
- Beef broth – Adds moisture and depth; can use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- Dry red wine (optional) – Enhances flavor complexity; substitute with additional beef broth or use red wine vinegar for acidity.
- Diced tomatoes – Adds acidity and texture; canned is convenient, but fresh tomatoes work as well.
- Bell peppers (red and yellow) – Introduce sweetness and color; any bell pepper can be used; green peppers will add more bitterness.
- Potatoes – Core element providing heartiness; swap with other root vegetables for a twist.
- Sour cream – Makes the dish creamy and rich; Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce; cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Adds a fresh, vibrant touch; omit if unavailable.
- Noodles or Spätzle (for serving, optional) – Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce; use rice or crusty bread in place.
Dive into the magic of Creamy German Goulash by gathering these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart!
How to Make Creamy German Goulash
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Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry and season them generously with salt and black pepper. This helps enhance the flavor and ensures a beautiful crust when browning.
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning each piece until it’s dark brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Set the browned beef aside.
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Sauté the Onions: In the same pot, add the onions and cook until they’re softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom in the oil.
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Incorporate Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste, stirring well, followed by the beef broth and optional dry red wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; they add great flavor!
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Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add both diced tomatoes and the bell peppers. Stir everything together, cover, and let it simmer on low heat.
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Simmer: Allow your goulash to simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
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Add Potatoes: After the initial simmering, add the cubed potatoes, cover, and continue simmering until they are tender, another 30-40 minutes.
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Enrich the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with flour. Temper the mixture with some hot broth before stirring it back into the goulash. This prevents curdling and enriches the sauce.
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Final Simmer: Continue to simmer the goulash until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy German Goulash ingredients can be prepped ahead, making weeknight dinners a breeze! You can chop the onions, bell peppers, and potatoes up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness. For the beef, consider browning it, then allowing it to cool before storing in the fridge; this also helps develop flavors. When you’re ready to bring everything together, simply combine the browning and vegetables in a pot, add the liquids, and let it simmer to allow all the delicious flavors to meld. This prep ensures you’ll have a comforting meal just as delicious as if made fresh!
Storage Tips for Creamy German Goulash
Fridge: Store leftover goulash in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze goulash in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Portion it out for easy reheating later.
Reheating: Thaw frozen goulash in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce is too thick.
Enjoying Leftovers: This creamy German goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it a comforting option for quick meals!
Expert Tips for Creamy German Goulash
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Perfectly Browned Beef: Ensure beef is browned well for maximum flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pot to achieve that perfect crust.
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Temper the Sour Cream: To prevent curdling, temper the sour cream with some hot broth before adding it to the goulash.
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Consistency Check: Monitor the sauce consistency as it simmers; if it becomes too thick, add more beef broth to reach your desired texture.
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Herb Substitutions: If marjoram isn’t available, oregano can be a good substitute, offering a similar flavor profile in your creamy German goulash.
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Flavor Adjustments: Always taste your goulash before serving to adjust seasoning. A pinch of salt or pepper can elevate the flavors beautifully!
Creamy German Goulash Variations
Customize your dish and let your creativity shine while enjoying vibrant flavors and comforting textures!
- Dairy-Free: Swap sour cream for coconut milk to achieve a creamy consistency without dairy.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms or tempeh, bringing a nutty earthiness to the pot.
- Heat Boost: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili flakes for a spicy kick that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika and add a touch of liquid smoke for a barbecue-inspired goulash experience.
- Root Veggie Swap: Instead of potatoes, mix in sweet potatoes or parsnips for added sweetness and a unique twist.
- Goulash Soup: Increase the broth, add more diced tomatoes, and serve as a comforting soup with crusty bread on the side.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant herbal note that complements the richness beautifully.
- Citrus Zest: Stir in a bit of lemon or orange zest before serving for a surprising bright flavor contrast.
Every variation invites you to explore and discover new favorites while keeping the heart of the dish alive!
What to Serve with Creamy German Goulash?
Imagine cozying up with a comforting bowl, ready to complete this delightful meal experience.
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Fluffy Spätzle: These soft egg noodles soak up the creamy sauce perfectly, adding a delightful texture to every bite.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich and buttery, they complement the hearty beef while adding a silky layer that makes the dish even more indulgent.
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Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, providing balance and freshness with each bite.
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Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is ideal for sopping up that delicious sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
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Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots and Brussels sprouts add a sweet, earthy complement, enhancing the dish’s hearty character.
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Glass of Red Wine: A bold red wine, like a Merlot or Cabernet, enriches the dining experience with its fruity notes and soft tannins, matching beautifully with the paprika flavors.
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Apple Strudel: For dessert, a slice of warm apple strudel with vanilla ice cream provides a sweet finish, balancing the savory main course.
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing drink that cleanses the palate, enhancing the flavors while keeping the meal light and enjoyable.
Creamy German Goulash Recipe FAQs
What type of beef is best for Creamy German Goulash?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using beef chuck. It becomes incredibly tender during the long cooking process and has great flavor. If you want to experiment, pork or chicken can also work well.
How should I store leftover Creamy German Goulash?
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s essential to let the goulash cool completely before sealing to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze Creamy German Goulash?
Yes, you can freeze it! Portion your goulash into freezer-safe containers, ensuring there’s a little space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. To enjoy later, thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
What should I do if my goulash sauce is too thin?
No worries! If your sauce didn’t thicken as expected, an easy fix is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the simmering goulash. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is nice and thick.
Can I make Creamy German Goulash without gluten?
Very much so! To keep this dish gluten-free, just substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for thickening the sauce. In fact, you can skip the flour entirely and let the sauce reduce naturally for a rich consistency.
Are there any allergy-conscious alternatives for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re serving someone with a dairy allergy, swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. For those with nightshade sensitivities, you can omit the tomatoes or use carrot puree for added sweetness without tomatoes.
Creamy German Goulash: Your New Favorite Cozy Dinner Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the beef cubes dry and season them generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning each piece until it's dark brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Set the browned beef aside.
- In the same pot, add the onions and cook until they're softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix in the tomato paste, stirring well, followed by the beef broth and optional dry red wine.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add both diced tomatoes and the bell peppers. Stir everything together, cover, and let it simmer on low heat.
- Allow your goulash to simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
- After the initial simmering, add the cubed potatoes, cover, and continue simmering until they are tender, another 30-40 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with flour. Temper the mixture with some hot broth before stirring it back into the goulash.
- Continue to simmer the goulash until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.