There’s a certain warmth that envelops you the moment a pot of Creamy German Goulash starts simmering on the stove. The intoxicating aroma of tender beef mingling with the rich spices of paprika and garlic is enough to transport me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where hearty meals were the cornerstone of family gatherings. On chilly evenings, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a bowl of this creamy goodness, a true testament to the comfort food genre.
What I love most about this dish is its ability to bring people together—whether you’re hosting friends or seeking solace after a long day, this goulash satisfies both the stomach and the soul. With the simplicity of preparation and the indulgent flavors, each scoop represents a story of home-cooked love. So, grab your Dutch oven and let’s embark on a culinary journey that’s sure to warm your heart as much as it does your palate!
Why is Creamy German Goulash so comforting?
Hearty & Filling: This dish is a complete meal, featuring tender beef, potatoes, and vibrant peppers that provide both nutrition and satisfaction.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a delightful feast without stress.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The blend of paprika and sour cream delivers a robust, velvety sauce that wraps around each bite, making mealtime special.
Versatile Enjoyment: Serve it solo or with crusty bread, noodles, or Spätzle—perfect for adapting to your family’s taste preferences!
Time-Saving: With a forgiving simmer time, it’s an ideal choice for busy days when you want a comforting dish without the fuss.
Your comfort food experience won’t be complete without trying this incredible preparation, especially when cozy evenings call for something special!
Creamy German Goulash Ingredients
For the Goulash
- Beef chuck (2 lbs) – The rich and tender beef brings depth to the dish; a higher-fat cut enhances flavor.
- Onions (2 large) – Sweetness from the onions adds depth; shallots can be used for a milder touch.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp) – Helps brown the beef and sauté onions; can easily substitute with any vegetable oil.
- Sweet paprika (2 tbsp) – This adds sweetness and beautiful color; smoked paprika offers a delightful twist.
- Smoked paprika (1 tbsp) – Contributes a smoky flavor; adjust according to your preference.
- Caraway seeds (1 tsp) – Brings an aromatic essence to the dish; it’s optional if you’re not fond of its flavor.
- Marjoram (1/2 tsp) – Complements the goulash beautifully; oregano serves well as an alternative.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp, optional) – For those who like a little heat, feel free to adjust to taste.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Essential for a flavorful base; fresh or powdered can be used.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp) – Adds richness and depth to the goulash; crushed tomatoes are a milder alternative.
- Beef broth (1 cup) – Provides a flavorful liquid base; vegetable broth makes for a lighter option.
- Dry red wine (1 cup, optional) – Enhances the depth of flavor; use broth if avoiding alcohol.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz) – Adds moisture and acidity; fresh diced tomatoes work in a pinch.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped) – Brightens the dish with color and sweetness; any bell pepper will do!
- Yellow bell pepper (1, chopped) – Adds further sweetness and color without overwhelming the palate.
- Potatoes (1 lb, cubed) – Provides heartiness and texture; Yukon gold or russet potatoes are ideal; sweet potatoes can give a fun twist.
- Sour cream (1 cup) – Delivers a creamy, tangy finish that balances the flavors; swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp) – Thickens the sauce nicely; cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Offers a lovely freshness and pop of color for presentation.
- Noodles or Spätzle (for serving, optional) – Complements the creamy sauce perfectly; rice or crusty bread work wonderfully too.
Enjoy your delicious journey into the world of Creamy German Goulash!
How to Make Creamy German Goulash
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Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. This step is key for a well-seasoned dish.
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Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then set aside.
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Sauté the Onions: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, making the kitchen smell heavenly.
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Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the pot, stirring and letting it cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor before moving on.
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Pour in Liquids: Carefully pour in the beef broth and dry red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits for added flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the diced tomatoes and chopped bell peppers, stirring well to combine.
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Simmer the Goulash: Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, allowing the mixture to develop rich flavors, adding broth as needed to maintain moisture.
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Add Potatoes: After 2 hours, add the cubed potatoes to the pot and continue simmering for 30-45 minutes until everything is tender and delicious.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour. Temper the mixture by mixing it with a small amount of the goulash liquid before stirring it back into the pot smoothly.
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Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes without boiling, allowing the sauce to thicken.
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Serve and Garnish: Spoon the goulash into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. It’s especially delightful over noodles or Spätzle for a true comfort food experience!
Optional: Pair with crusty bread for a delightful soakable experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Creamy German Goulash Variations
There’s something incredibly satisfying about customizing your Creamy German Goulash to suit your taste preferences. Let your creativity shine as you explore these delightful variations!
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Dairy-Free: Replace sour cream with cashew cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creaminess.
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Spicy Kick: Add minced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery version that wakes up the palate.
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Mushroom Medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms to deepen the umami flavor and add a lovely earthy note, perfect for mushroom lovers.
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Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of marjoram for a new aromatic experience that brings freshness to the dish.
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Smoked Variation: Try using only smoked paprika or a mix of smoked and sweet paprika to infuse a deeper, more intense flavor profile throughout the goulash.
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Root Vegetable Addition: Add parsnips or carrots along with the potatoes for a hint of sweetness and additional texture that balances the hearty beef.
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Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for hearty jackfruit or chickpeas and use vegetable broth to create a satisfying plant-based goulash that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
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Sweet Surprise: Fold in a spoonful of apple cider vinegar or a touch of brown sugar to balance the savory notes with a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Expert Tips for Creamy German Goulash
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Brown in Batches: To achieve maximum flavor, brown the beef in batches. This helps retain heat for proper caramelization and prevents steaming.
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Temper the Sour Cream: Avoid curdling by whisking the sour cream with a bit of goulash liquid before adding it back to the pot for a creamy texture.
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Use Quality Beef: Opt for a higher-fat cut like chuck for richness. The right beef makes all the difference in the flavor of your creamy German goulash.
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Don’t Rush Simmering: Let it simmer on low heat for the recommended time. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting, hearty dish.
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Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking. It helps build layers of flavor that enhance the overall dish experience.
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Add Fresh Herbs Last: For a burst of freshness, add the parsley just before serving to brighten the goulash and enhance presentation.
Storage Tips for Creamy German Goulash
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Fridge: Store goulash in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn and flavor loss.
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Reheating: Thaw frozen goulash in the fridge overnight. Reheat on low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
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Leftover Ideas: Use leftover goulash as a filling for stuffed peppers or over baked potatoes for a delightful new meal featuring your creamy German goulash!
What to Serve with Creamy German Goulash?
To build a truly satisfying and comforting meal around your goulash, consider these delicious accompaniments that enhance its richness while bringing your dinner table to life.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, crusty bread adds a wonderful texture and warmth to the meal. It’s an essential for any goulash lover!
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety potatoes complement the rich goulash beautifully, adding another layer of creaminess that makes each bite heavenly.
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Spätzle: These traditional German egg noodles are a classic pairing. Their soft texture holds onto the sauce, making every forkful delightful—and truly authentic!
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts brings a vibrant freshness to the table, balancing the heaviness of the goulash with their sweet, caramelized flavors.
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German Red Cabbage: This tangy-sweet side dish adds a pop of color and acidity, complementing the richness of the goulash delightfully. The crunch is an added bonus for texture!
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A Simple Green Salad: Lightly dressed leafy greens add a refreshing contrast to the creamy goulash. The crispness offers a satisfying crunch, making the meal feel more complete.
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Cold Beer or Red Wine: For drinks, a nice cold pilsner or a glass of fruity red wine pairs wonderfully, enhancing the flavors of the goulash and making for a well-rounded dining experience.
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Apple Strudel: As a sweet finish, this classic dessert melds perfectly with the goulash experience, leaving your guests with a cherished taste of tradition.
Make Ahead Options
Creamy German Goulash is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can chop your onions, bell peppers, and cube the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to ensure freshness. The beef can also be browned ahead of time and kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days; just reheat it gently with the rest of the ingredients when you’re ready to serve. To maintain the quality of your goulash, whisk the sour cream with flour just before adding it to the pot, preventing curdling. Once finished cooking, simply garnish and enjoy the comforting flavors that will remind you of home-cooked love!
Creamy German Goulash Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this dish?
Absolutely! When picking your ingredients, choose potatoes that are firm, blemish-free, and have no dark spots. Look for beef chuck with a rich red color and good marbling for maximum flavor. For onions and bell peppers, pick ones that feel heavy in your hand, with glossy skins that show no signs of bruising.
How should I store leftover Creamy German Goulash?
To keep your goulash fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Letting it cool to room temperature before sealing will help maintain the best flavor and texture.
Can I freeze Creamy German Goulash?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the goulash to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Enjoy it within 3 months for the best taste. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove with a splash of broth for added creaminess.
What tips do you have for troubleshooting if the goulash is too thick or too thin?
If your goulash turns out too thick, simply add a little more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner version, you can also stir in a splash of sour cream or a bit of cold water just before serving. Don’t forget to season and taste before serving!
Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Yes, it’s important to consider allergies and dietary needs! For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch to thicken. If you’re cooking for someone with dairy allergies, opt for a dairy-free sour cream alternative, such as cashew cream, to maintain the creamy texture without compromising taste.
Can I modify the ingredient list for dietary preferences?
Certainly! This Creamy German Goulash is quite versatile. To make it vegetarian, substitute beef with mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots for a nutrient boost and to satisfy picky eaters!
Creamy German Goulash: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the beef cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste to the pot, stirring it for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth and dry red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the diced tomatoes and chopped bell peppers.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours.
- After 2 hours, add cubed potatoes and continue simmering for 30-45 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour. Temper the mixture with a small amount of the goulash liquid before stirring it back into the pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Spoon the goulash into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.