Name: Creamy German Goulash
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 large onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp caraway seeds; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Oh, stews! Is there anything more comforting on a chilly evening? I don’t think so. And let me tell you, this Creamy German Goulash takes the whole stew game to a *whole* new level. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and that creamy twist? Oh, just trust me, it’s divine!

I remember the first time I had goulash. I was backpacking through Europe, totally broke, and stumbled into this little family-run restaurant in Munich. One bite of their goulash, and I was hooked! I knew I needed to recreate that magic at home, but with my own little spin. And after tons of experimenting, this Creamy German Goulash recipe is *it*!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy German Goulash Recipe

Okay, so why should you make this Creamy German Goulash right now? Let me give you the lowdown:

It’s seriously easy to make! Don’t let the “German” part scare you.
The flavor is just… wow. Rich, savory, and a little smoky – yum!
Hello, comfort food! This is like a warm hug in a bowl.
That creamy texture? Total game changer. It’s what sets this goulash apart!

Ingredients for Creamy German Goulash

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s exactly what you need to make this amazing Creamy German Goulash. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay? We’re talking about:

2 lbs beef chuck, cubed – gotta have that hearty beef!
2 tbsp olive oil – for browning, baby!
2 large onions, chopped – adds that savory base.
2 cloves garlic, minced – garlic makes everything better, right?
2 tbsp tomato paste – for richness and depth.
1 tbsp sweet paprika – adds that classic goulash flavor.
1 tsp smoked paprika – for a little smoky kick!
1/2 tsp caraway seeds – trust me on this one!
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper – or more, if you like it spicy!
4 cups beef broth – homemade is best, but store-bought works too!
1 cup sour cream – the magic ingredient!
2 tbsp all-purpose flour – to thicken things up.
Salt and pepper to taste – season generously!
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – for a pop of fresh color!

How to Make Creamy German Goulash: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s get cooking. Don’t worry, this Creamy German Goulash is easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness in no time!

First, get that beef ready! Season those beautiful beef cubes with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy – this is where the flavor starts!
Next, grab your fave large pot or Dutch oven (I’m obsessed with mine!). Heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want it nice and shimmering.
Now, this is important: brown the beef in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or it’ll steam instead of sear. Trust me, browning is key for that rich flavor. Set the browned beef aside.
Time for the onions! Add those chopped onions to the pot and cook until they’re softened and translucent – about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more, until it smells amazing. Careful not to burn it!
Okay, spices time! Stir in the tomato paste, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, so the spices bloom and release their awesome flavor. Mmm, can you smell that?
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. The magic happens here! Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is super tender and falls apart easily. I know, it’s a long time, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Almost there! In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and all-purpose flour until it’s totally smooth. This prevents lumps in your goulash. Nobody wants lumpy goulash!
Now, gently stir the sour cream mixture into the goulash. Be careful not to boil it too vigorously, or it might curdle. Nobody wants that either!
Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened up to your liking. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it a little longer. You’re the boss!
Finally, serve it up hot! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley. It adds a pop of freshness and a little bit of pretty.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy German Goulash

Want to take your Creamy German Goulash from “good” to “OMG amazing!”? Here are a few of my tried-and-true secrets!

**Don’t skip the browning!** Seriously, properly browning the beef is SO important for developing deep, rich flavor. It’s a game changer!
**Spice it up (or down)!** Not a fan of spice? Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. Love the heat? Add a pinch more, or even a dash of hot sauce! Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
**Smooth sauce is key!** Whisking the sour cream and flour together before adding it to the goulash is crucial for preventing lumps. Trust me on this one! If, heaven forbid, you *do* get lumps, you can try whisking vigorously or even using an immersion blender carefully.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy German Goulash

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Creamy German Goulash simmering away… what do you serve with it? Well, you *gotta* go traditional, right? Egg noodles or spaetzle are the *perfect* partners. They soak up all that delicious, creamy sauce!

But hey, if you’re feeling a little less German (gasp!), some good crusty bread would be AMAZING for sopping up every last bit. And you know what? A side of biscuits would actually be divine too! Trust me!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Creamy German Goulash

Want to get ahead of the game? This Creamy German Goulash is *perfect* for making ahead! Just cook it according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days – and honestly, the flavors just get better as it sits!

For leftovers (if there *are* any!), store them the same way. When you’re ready to reheat, just gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy German Goulash

Got questions about my Creamy German Goulash? I bet you do! It’s cool, I got you covered. Here are some of the questions I get asked most often – and my totally honest answers!

Can I use a different cut of beef for this goulash?

Okay, so beef chuck is my *favorite* for goulash. It gets super tender and flavorful when simmered low and slow. But, if you’re in a pinch, you *can* use other cuts like beef brisket or even stew meat. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary a bit. You want that beef to be fall-apart tender!

Can I freeze this Creamy German Goulash?

You betcha! Freezing this goulash is a fantastic idea for meal prepping. It tastes amazing even after being frozen! Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. Easy peasy!

How do I adjust the thickness of the sauce in this recipe?

Great question! If your Creamy German Goulash sauce is too thin, just simmer it a little longer, uncovered, so some of the liquid evaporates. But if it’s *too* thick? No worries! Just stir in a splash of beef broth (or even water) until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, you’re the boss of your own goulash destiny!

Can I make this Creamy German Goulash in a slow cooker?

You know, I haven’t tried it myself *yet*, but I bet you totally could! I would brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then throw everything else in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. You’d probably want to add the sour cream mixture during the last 30 minutes. If you try it, let me know how it goes!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy German Goulash

Okay, so here’s the down-low on the nutrition side. Keep in mind, these are just estimates, okay? We’re talking about typical values for things like calories, fat, protein, and carbs in a serving of this Creamy German Goulash.

Enjoy Your Creamy German Goulash!

Alright, my friend, it’s time to dig in and enjoy this Creamy German Goulash! Seriously, I hope you love it as much as I do! And hey, if you try it, don’t be a stranger! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share a pic on social media – I’d love to see your goulash creations!