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The Recipe · No.292 · Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash, and where to source it

Hungarian Goulash — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Hungarian Goulash Hungarian 5best2buy.com

Real gulyas is a soup, not a thick American casserole, and it lives entirely on good sweet Hungarian paprika stirred off the heat so it never scorches. Match the weight of onions to the weight of beef; they cook down into the body of the broth.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook2 hr
Makes6 servings
CuisineHungarian
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Beef chuck
Cut into big cubes, chuck has the collagen to go silky over two hours.
2 lb
Sweet Hungarian paprika
The soul of the dish; buy fresh, fragrant paprika and use it generously.
3 tbsp
Beef broth
A good stock keeps it brothy and deep; this is a soup, not a gravy.
6 cups
Potatoes
Diced and added late so they hold shape in the broth.
1 lb
Onions
An equal weight to the beef; they dissolve into the broth's body.
2 lb
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Sweat onionsCook a big pile of sliced onions slowly in lard or oil until soft and golden, about 20 minutes.
  2. Bloom paprikaPull the pot off the heat and stir in paprika so it perfumes the fat without scorching bitter.
  3. SimmerAdd beef and broth and simmer gently, uncovered, until the meat is tender, about 90 minutes.
  4. FinishAdd diced potato and cook until soft, 20 minutes more; season and keep it soupy.
The Toolkit

Dutch oven · Wooden spoon · Ladle · Chef knife · Cutting board

Straight Answers
Can you make Hungarian Goulash in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Hungarian Goulash? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Hungarian Goulash ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Hungarian Goulash gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Hungarian Goulash vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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