Name: Beef and Mushroom Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 100 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces mushrooms (cremini or brown, quartered); 2 tbsp olive oil (divided); 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 2.2 pounds beef chuck (cut into bite-sized pieces, brought to room temperature); 2 yellow onions (diced); 6 garlic cloves (minced); ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp ground cumin; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch); 4 tbsp tomato paste; 3 tbsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp brown sugar; 4 cups low sodium beef broth; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Beef and mushroom goulash. A rich and flavorful beef stew seasoned with a generous amount of sweet paprika. This easy recipe features tender beef and plenty of mushrooms for a delicious and heartwarming meal. It pairs perfectly with buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, bread or homemade dumplings.

Why You’ll Love this Mushroom and Beef Goulash Recipe

This dish is simply amazing. It takes minimal effort to make but ends up incredibly delicious.
The meat is super tender, the sauce is rich and the aroma is to die for.
You can make it in one pot using easy-to-find ingredients.
It’s the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table!
To save time, you can make it a day ahead and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

How to Make Beef and Mushroom Goulash at Home

This style of cooking is perfect for relaxed, easy meals, especially when the days get colder. It’s all about keeping it simple and building layers of flavor through slow cooking! Let’s dive in!

We start by letting the beef reach room temperature for a super tender meat.
First, we cook the mushrooms until they turn brown. This helps them release moisture and become tender instead of chewy. After taking them out, we sear the beef in a mix of oil and butter until it browns all over, locking in those delicious natural juices. Then, add seasoning, garlic, onions, tomato paste, paprika and brown sugar.
Once the broth’s in, it’s mostly hands-off, just let the stew simmer for an hour.
Finally, add the mushrooms and let it simmer together until the meat is tender. It’s not complicated, just the way a stew should be.

It’s a great dinner for busy families because it’s so easy to put together. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table and will definitely leave you wanting more.

Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO or follow along on YouTube.

What is The Difference between Beef Stew and Beef Goulash?

The main difference between beef stew and beef goulash lies in their flavor profiles and often the spices that are used.

Beef Stew: This is a broad term for a dish where beef is simmered in liquid along with vegetables. It’s often hearty and thick, made with various vegetables and sometimes potatoes. The seasoning can vary, but it generally uses a blend of herbs and spices like bay leaves, thyme or rosemary. The liquid used can be beef broth or a combination of broth and wine.
Beef Goulash: Goulash is a specific type of stew that typically contains beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes and a generous amount of paprika as the main ingredients. The paprika and (in this recipe) tomato paste gives it a distinctive red color and a rich, slightly sweet unique flavor. Goulash might also include other seasonings like cumin seeds and can be served with noodles or potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Beef Goulash with Mushrooms

Beef: This recipe will work fine with any slow cooking cut of meat, but for this stew, beef chuck has the ideal amount of fat and fibre texture. You can also choose cuts like shoulder, oxtail, brisket, or cross-cut shanks for ideal texture. Leaner options include beef round or veal. Cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Mushrooms: Any variety works like cremini, brown button mushrooms or others you have on hand.
Onions and Garlic: Essential for flavor.
Paprika: Sweet paprika lends a fruity, non-spicy flavor essential for the pan sauce. Also, it might seem like a lot, but don’t skimp on the amount, it melts into an indescribably delicious gravy during the slow cooking process.
Seasoning: A mix of salt, black pepper, brown sugar and ground cumin seeds.
Tomato Paste: Provides a flavorful base.
Beef Broth: Offers richness, you can swap it for chicken or vegetable broth for a different (not-so-rich) taste.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
Parsley: Adds a fresh touch.
Oil and Butter: For cooking the mushrooms and searing the beef. You can substitute for lard to achieve an old-fashioned flavor.

Helpful Tips

Enhance the Flavor: Consider adding bell peppers, use a mix of red and green, for a richer taste. Sauté them after removing the mushrooms and before searing the beef.
Serving Options: Enjoy your goulash with a variety of sides like buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, bread, dumplings, knödels, rice, crispy potato rösti or polenta.
Complete the Meal: Pair your goulash with roasted or steamed vegetables or a leafy side salad.

Storage

Make Ahead: You can make this beef and mushroom goulash recipe 1 day ahead of time. It gets even better the next day! Just reheat over medium when you’re ready to eat.
Fridge: Leftovers will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days in airtight containers.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Beef and Mushroom Goulash