Goulash is a savory and hearty dish that has its origins in Eastern Europe, particularly Hungary. It is a versatile and forgiving recipe that can be adapted to your personal preferences and available ingredients. In this article, we will walk you through an easy-to-follow beef goulash recipe with simple steps.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs lean beef, cubed

– 2 large onions, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 3 tbsp olive or vegetable oil

– 1 red bell pepper, chopped

– 1 green bell pepper, chopped

– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced

– 2 cups beef broth or stock

– 14 oz can diced tomatoes

– ½ cup red wine (optional)

– 3 tbsp sweet paprika (Hungarian if possible)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

– Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing them until they start to soften and turn slightly golden (about 6 to 8 minutes). Be mindful not to burn the garlic.

2. Add the cubed beef to the pot, browning it on all sides. This should take around few minutes. Don’t worry about cooking it through just yet; you only want to give it a good sear on the outside.

3. Once the beef has been browned, add in your chopped bell peppers and carrot slices. Cook for another few minutes until they begin to soften.

4. Pour in the beef broth (or stock) and bring it to a gentle boil. Next, add in your diced tomatoes along with their juice.

5. Stir in the sweet paprika and red wine, if using. This will give your goulash a richer and more complex flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Allow the goulash to simmer on a low heat, covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Make sure to stir occasionally so that nothing sticks to the bottom of your pot.

7. Once your beef goulash has reached your desired level of tenderness and flavor concentration, remove it from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to develop even more.

8. Ladle the finished goulash over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes to serve. You can garnish with fresh parsley to add a burst of color.

This easy beef goulash recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner party dish. It can be made ahead of time, only getting better as it rests in the refrigerator overnight. Try this mouth-watering recipe and enjoy a taste of Eastern European cuisine right at home!