Jamie Oliver Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Hungarian Goulash is a rich, hearty, and comforting dish packed with tender beef, smoky paprika, and slow-cooked vegetables. This traditional Hungarian stew is perfect for cold weather and is best served with crusty bread, dumplings, or mashed potatoes. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen, creating a thick, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the melt-in-your-mouth beef.

What is Jamie Oliver Hungarian Goulash?

Jamie Oliver’s Hungarian Goulash is a classic stew made with slow-cooked beef, onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and sweet Hungarian paprika. This dish is known for its deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, thanks to the paprika and slow simmering. Traditionally, it’s served as a one-pot meal, often with crusty bread or buttered noodles.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Thai Salmon
• Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Katsu Curry
• Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: Deep, smoky paprika flavor with tender beef.
• Perfect for Slow Cooking: It develops better flavor over time.
• Great for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day.
• Traditional Comfort Food: A true Hungarian classic.
• Easy to Adapt: It can be made in a slow cooker, stove, or oven.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Hungarian Goulash

• Beef Chuck (800g, cut into chunks) – Ideal for slow cooking, becomes tender.
• Onions (2 large, chopped) – Add sweetness and depth.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Enhances flavor.
• Red Bell Peppers (2, sliced into strips) – Adds sweetness and color.
• Tomatoes (2 large, diced) – Tomatoes help create a rich sauce.
• Tomato Paste (1 tbsp) – Intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Beef Stock (750ml / 3 cups) – Forms the flavorful base.
• Hungarian Sweet Paprika (2 tbsp) – Essential for an authentic taste.
• Caraway Seeds (1 tsp, optional) – Adds an earthy, nutty taste.
• Bay Leaves (2) – Infuses extra aroma.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste) – Enhances seasoning.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For browning the beef.
• Flour (1 tbsp, optional) – Helps thicken the sauce.
• Sour Cream (for serving, optional) – Adds creaminess when served.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional) – Adds freshness.

Optional Additions

• Potatoes (2, peeled and cubed) – Makes it heartier.
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp, optional) – Adds a deeper smoky flavor.
• Red Wine (½ cup, optional) – Enhances richness.

Equipment Needed

• Large heavy-based pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and chopping board
• Ladle

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Hungarian Goulash

Step 1: Brown the beef

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and sear until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the onions and garlic

In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the paprika and tomato paste

Lower the heat and stir in the Hungarian paprika and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to release the flavors.

Step 4: Add the bell peppers and tomatoes

Add the sliced bell peppers and diced tomatoes, stirring to coat them with the spices.

Step 5: Pour in the stock and season

Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the beef stock. Add the bay leaves, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Slow cook the goulash

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the goulash simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 7: Adjust seasoning and serve

Taste the goulash and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Hungarian Goulash

• Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the rich sauce.
• Butter Noodles – A traditional Hungarian side.
• Mashed Potatoes – Complements the thick sauce.
• Dumplings (Nokedli/Spätzle) – A Hungarian classic.
• Steamed Rice – Soaks up the flavorful broth.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Hungarian Goulash

• Use Hungarian Sweet Paprika – Authentic paprika gives the best flavor.
• Low and Slow Cooking is Key – The longer it simmers, the better the taste.
• Don’t Skip Browning the Beef – This adds depth to the dish.
• For a Thicker Sauce, Add a tablespoon of flour while sautéing onions.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Hungarian Goulash

• Spicy Goulash – Add chili flakes or hot paprika for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Goulash – Replace beef with mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas.
• Slow Cooker Goulash – Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Goulash with Potatoes – Add diced potatoes for a one-pot meal.
• Goulash Soup – Add more broth for a thinner, soup-like consistency.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Hungarian Goulash

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat – Warm on low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 4g

FAQs

Can I make Hungarian goulash in a slow cooker?

Yes, simply brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What type of paprika should I use for Hungarian goulash?

Use Hungarian sweet paprika for the best flavor. Smoked paprika can also add a deeper, smoky taste.

Can I make this goulash ahead of time?

Yes! Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop overnight. Store in the fridge and reheat gently.

What’s the difference between Hungarian goulash and beef stew?

Hungarian goulash is lighter and more broth-based with a strong paprika flavor, while traditional beef stew is usually thicker and richer with flour-based gravy.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Hungarian Goulash is a deeply flavorful, comforting dish that highlights the richness of paprika and slow-cooked beef. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family meal or a make-ahead dish, this goulash is packed with authentic Hungarian flavors that will make it a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a taste of traditional Hungarian comfort food!

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