This traditional pastoral dish is hearty, beefy and showcases its signature spice, Hungarian paprika. Beef Cubes are braised low and slow in a spiced tomato sauce, deepened with beef stock. Serve this stew over buttery egg noodles as a timeless pairing that’s satisfying and easy to eat for senior living residents. Top it with a cool dollop of sour cream for a bit of creaminess without having to prepare a separate sauce.
Ingredients
Here are the following ingredients:
- 5 lb (2.2 kg) Beef Cubes
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) kosher salt, divided
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) freshly ground black pepper, divided
- ½ cup (125 mL) canola oil
- 1 lb (500 g) sliced onion, about 4 cups (1 L)
- ¼ cup (60 mL) minced garlic
- ⅔ cup (150 mL) flour, all-purpose
- ⅔ cup (150 mL) tomato paste
- ⅓ cup (75 mL) paprika, preferably Hungarian
- 6 cups (1.5 L) beef stock (no salt added)
- 6 cups (1.5 L) chicken stock (no salt added)
- 8 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) apple cider vinegar
- 1½ lb (750 g) peeled and chopped yellow-fleshed potato, cut into ½-inch (1 cm) pieces, about 4 cups (1 L)
- 1 lb (500 g) sliced carrots, cut into coins, about 4 cups (1 L)
Service
- 16 cups (4 L) cooked broad egg noodles, warmed
- 2 cups (500 mL) sour cream
- 1 cup (250 mL) chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
- Season beef with 1 tbsp (15 mL) salt and 1½ tsp (7 mL) pepper. Heat half the oil in large stock pot set over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches, adding more oil as needed, until evenly browned; tent and set aside.
- In the same pot set over medium heat, add onion and garlic; cook until softened. Deglaze pan with ½ cup (125 mL) water.
- Stir in flour; cook for 2 minutes or until well combined. Stir in tomato paste and paprika; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until deep red.
- Pour in beef and chicken stocks; bring to a boil. Return beef and any accumulated juices to pot. Add bay leaves, vinegar, remaining salt and pepper.
- Simmer, covered, for 1½ hours or until beef is tender but not falling apart. Stir in potatoes and carrots. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour or until beef is very tender and sauce is thickened. (Uncover during the last 20 minutes to thicken sauce, if needed.)
- Remove and discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning as needed. Cool, cover and refrigerate or hold for service.
Service
- Reheat goulash and hold for service or reheat individual portions to order. Adjust thickness with additional stock or water until desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve 1½ cups (375 mL) goulash over 1 cup (250 mL) warm noodles. Garnish with 2 tbsp (30 mL) sour cream and 1 tbsp (15 mL) parsley.
Chef's Tip
Substitute chicken stock with beef stock for deeper flavour.
Serve goulash with a fresh biscuit or over steamed rice or polenta.
Alternatively, stir goulash with cooked macaroni, peas and baby spinach for a hearty and wholesome pasta dish.
Beef Cuts
Hip Portion Cuts
Beef Marinating Cubes