Description
This Hungarian Goulash recipe brings a rich and heartwarming meal featuring smoky turkey bacon, tender beef chuck, and a bright tang from apple cider vinegar. Slow-simmered with authentic spices and fresh vegetables, it delivers deep smoky flavors and comforting textures perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 200g smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 kg beef chuck, cubed
Vegetables
- 2 large sweet onions, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika (natural)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids and Oils
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the smoked turkey bacon. Heat olive oil in a heavy pot and brown the bacon until crisp and fragrant. Peel and chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and red bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
- Brown the beef: Pat the beef chuck dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the beef cubes to the pot in batches, searing each side until golden brown to lock in juices and develop rich flavor. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and red bell peppers over medium heat until softened and caramelized, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add spices and liquids: Stir in smoked paprika (natural) and tomato paste (natural), cooking briefly to release aromas. Pour in apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, then add beef broth and bay leaves. Return the beef and smoked turkey bacon to the pot.
- Simmer low and slow: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook for about 2 hours or until beef is tender and sauce thickens. Stir occasionally and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and garnish: Remove bay leaves. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a bright, fresh contrast.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan when browning meat to achieve a rich crust.
- Slow simmering at low heat is key to tender beef and flavorful broth.
- Using smoked paprika (natural) defines the authentic flavor profile.
- Add apple cider vinegar gradually and taste to balance acidity perfectly.
- This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Hungarian Goulash, smoked turkey bacon, beef stew, paprika, comfort food, slow simmer
