Description
This Hungarian Goulash features tender beef chuck, smoky turkey bacon, and authentic natural spices like Hungarian paprika and caraway seeds. Slow-cooked to perfection, it is a hearty, comforting stew perfect for chilly evenings or family meals. Enhanced with plant-based ingredients, this dish is rich in flavor and versatile to serve over noodles, with bread, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 8 oz smoked turkey bacon, trimmed and chopped
- 2 lbs beef chuck or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 large onions, diced
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 tbsp Hungarian paprika (natural)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth or stock
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Trim the smoked turkey bacon and cut the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the red bell peppers so all ingredients are ready for cooking.
- Sauté the Base: In a large heavy-bottom pot, render the turkey bacon on medium heat until it becomes crispy and aromatic. Add the diced onions and cook slowly until golden and fragrant, creating a naturally sweet foundation.
- Build the Flavor: Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell peppers to the pot, allowing them to soften. Stir in the Hungarian paprika (natural), caraway seeds, and tomato paste (natural), gently toasting the spices to release their full aroma.
- Brown the Meat: Increase the heat slightly and add the beef pieces, searing them until a crust forms. This step locks in the juices and deepens the flavor base of the stew.
- Simmer Gently: Pour in the beef broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and flavors have melded.
- Thicken and Finish: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the natural gelling agent into the stew to thicken it slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and finish cooking uncovered to create a richer texture.
Notes
- Use fresh Hungarian paprika (natural) for bold and authentic flavor.
- Cook the stew slowly to ensure the meat becomes tender and spices develop fully.
- Do not rush the browning process to maximize flavor depth.
- Add broth gradually if the stew becomes too thick during cooking.
- Allow the goulash to rest for at least 30 minutes off heat for optimal flavor harmony.
- 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: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Hungarian Goulash, Beef Stew, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Comfort Food, Paprika, Slow Cooked
