There is something wonderfully satisfying about a pot of rich, slow-cooked goulash. This German beef goulash recipe is packed with tender beef, flavourful paprika and a rich tomato-based sauce. It is especially delicious served with Spätzle, which is perfect for soaking up every bit of the savoury sauce.
Serve it for a relaxed Sunday lunch or when friends gather around the table. The rich sauce and tender beef make it a meal that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone.
My Red Cabbage side dish pairs perfectly with this rich goulash, adding a delightful balance of flavours to the meal.
Why You Will Love this Rich German Beef Goulash Recipe
The rich beef, slowly simmered with fragrant spices, onions, and tomatoes, creates a sauce that is irresistibly robust. Serve this dish with Spätzle and red cabbage and leave your guests satisfied. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the joy of family and friends, all while indulging in the unmistakable flavours of German comfort food.
My Secret Ingredient for Rich German Beef Goulash Recipe
One ingredient I never leave out of this German beef goulash recipe is Maggi Delicatessen Sosse zum Braten. It’s my favourite gravy powder and the one I always reach for when I want a rich, savoury sauce with deep flavour.
Unfortunately, I can’t get it in South Africa, so I usually ask friends or family to bring a few packets back for me whenever they visit from Europe. I always make sure I have some in my pantry because it makes such a noticeable difference.
If you can find it, I highly recommend using it. If not, a good-quality gravy powder, such as Knorr, is a good substitute.
MAGGI DELIKATESS Sosse zu Braten (Roast Gravy Mix) is a German roast gravy mix that creates a smooth, rich sauce with a deep savoury taste. It blends easily with water and delivers a consistent, well-balanced gravy ideal for roast meats.
Rich German Beef Goulash
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 900 g / 2 pounds beef cubes (about ¾-inch pieces)
- 1 small onion coarsely chopped
- 2 tomatoes peeled and chopped
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups / 710ml / 24 oz water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 heaped tablespoon Maggi Sosse zu Braten This is a German roast gravy powder, but you can use a similar good-quality gravy powder that's available where you live.
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- Start by washing the beef cubes, then pat them dry with paper towels. Heat the sunflower oil over medium-high heat in a medium sized pot. Add the beef cubes and season with salt and pepper.
- As the beef releases its juices, pour the liquid into a separate container and continue to brown the meat thoroughly.
Build the Flavour:
- Add the paprika and coarsely chopped onion to the pot. Stir and let them cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Pour the reserved beef juices back into the pot, ensuring all those flavourful bits from the bottom are incorporated.
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Carefully core the tomatoes by removing the tough centre. To peel the tomatoes easily, make an ‘X’ cut at the base of each one. Place them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and allow them to cool slightly. The skin will peel away effortlessly from the ‘X.’ Chop the tomatoes and add them to the pot.
Simmer with Spice:
- Add the bay leaf, cloves, and 3 cups of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let the flavours meld as the beef becomes tender, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 1½ to 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Add the Maggi Sosse zu Braten. Then In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water until smooth. Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the goulash, adjusting the thickness to your preference. Taste the sauce, season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve with Spätzle:
- Plate the goulash over a bed of Spätzle to soak up the rich sauce.
Kitchen Tools & Ingredients for German Beef Goulash
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Description: Ideal for browning the beef and slowly simmering the goulash. |
Description: Handy for preparing onions and tomatoes. |
Description: A delicious side dish for serving with rich German beef goulash. |
Ideal for browning the beef and slowly simmering the goulash.
Handy for preparing onions and tomatoes.
A delicious side dish for serving with rich German beef goulash.
What to Serve with German Beef Goulash
- Pasta Substitute: If you can’t buy Spätzle, any pasta like macaroni or Penne will also work beautifully to soak up the sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: A comforting alternative is to serve the goulash over a creamy bed of mashed potatoes.
- Dumplings or Rice: For a more filling option, try serving the goulash with German dumplings (Knödel) or even a side of rice. They absorb the sauce wonderfully.
More Hearty Recipes and German Inspiration
If you enjoy this German beef goulash recipe, here are a few more recipes and ideas you might like. From slow-cooked family favourites to traditional German cakes and celebration inspiration, there’s plenty more to explore.
Leg of Lamb Pot Roast – A simple leg of lamb pot roast slow-cooked with garlic, onions, and spices until tender.
Slow-Braised Oxtail Stew – Rich, hearty and full of flavour. Another slow-cooked meal with fall-apart tender meat and a deliciously rich gravy.
German Cake Recipes – Complete your German-inspired menu with one of my traditional German cakes, including German Cheesecake, Peach Flan and the classic Pflaumenkuchen.
Milestone Birthday Party Ideas – Planning a special birthday? Find practical tips, menu ideas and inspiration for creating a memorable celebration for family and friends.
Frequently asked questions
The goulash needs time to simmer gently so that the beef becomes tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the cut and size of the beef pieces, but it generally takes around 1½ to 2 hours on the stovetop.
Yes. In fact, goulash often tastes even better the next day as the flavours have more time to develop. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat it before serving.
Yes, the cooked goulash can be frozen in an airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before freezing and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The sauce can be thickened by allowing it to simmer uncovered for a little longer. You can also use a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water if needed.
Yes. I use a German roast gravy powder because I love the flavour it adds to the sauce. If you cannot find the same product, you can use a good-quality roast gravy powder available in your area.
Save This Hearty German Beef Goulash Recipe for Later
