🇩🇪 Authentic German Goulash Recipe (Rindergulasch) | Hearty & Comforting
Learn how to make authentic German goulash (Rindergulasch) with tender beef, onions, paprika, and red wine. A traditional and easy one-pot comfort food perfect for chilly days!
📌 Why You’ll Love This German Goulash Recipe
- Deep, rich flavors from paprika and slow-simmered beef
- A classic one-pot meal that’s both rustic and elegant
- Easy to make ahead and even better the next day
- Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
- Authentic taste of German home cooking
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat (preferably chuck), cubed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- ½ tsp hot paprika (optional)
- 1½ cups (350ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine (or more broth)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional but traditional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
🍳 Instructions
1. Sear the Beef:
- Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions:
- In the same pot, reduce heat and add sliced onions.
- Cook slowly for 10–15 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Spices & Deglaze:
- Stir in paprika and optional caraway seeds.
- Add red wine and scrape up brown bits from the bottom.
- Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Simmer the Goulash:
- Return beef to the pot. Add broth and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beef is tender.
5. Optional Thickening:
- Mix 1 tbsp flour with a bit of cold water and stir into the stew during the last 10 minutes for a thicker sauce.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with classic German sides like spätzle, boiled potatoes, or buttered egg noodles.
🧊 Storage & Freezing
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
- Flavor improves overnight, making it perfect for meal prep
🧠 Tips for Authentic German Goulash
- Use plenty of onions – they cook down and sweeten the sauce
- Choose well-marbled beef like chuck for tenderness
- Paprika is key: use sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor
- Simmer low and slow for the best texture and richness
- Add a splash of sour cream at the end for a creamy twist (optional)
🔄 Variations
- Pork Goulash (Schweinegulasch) – use pork shoulder instead of beef
- Vegetarian Goulash – replace beef with mushrooms and bell peppers
- Spicy Goulash – add a dash of cayenne or chili powder
- Goulash Soup (Gulaschsuppe) – add more broth and chopped potatoes for a stew-like soup
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Is German goulash the same as Hungarian goulash?
Not exactly. German goulash is typically richer, thicker, and includes wine. Hungarian goulash is often more like a soup with additional vegetables.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the beef and onions first, then cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
What wine is best for this goulash?
A dry red like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir adds depth.
⭐ Reader Review
💬 “This tastes just like the goulash my Oma used to make. So rich, flavorful, and tender! Even better the next day.” – @authenticheimatkitchen
📌 Final Thoughts
This German goulash recipe is a celebration of comfort, warmth, and bold old-world flavor. Whether you serve it on a snowy evening or make it ahead for a family gathering, it delivers a nostalgic, soul-soothing meal every time.
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