Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner night into something you’ll actually remember six months from now?
Enter: Bobby Flay’s Goulash!
This dish is packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory tomato sauce.
The best part is it’s an easy recipe to follow and can serve up to six people in about 45 minutes.
You’ll love how it absorbs all those rich flavors, making it a comforting meal any day of the week!
How to Make Bobby Flay Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck (cut in 1.5″ cubes)
- 1 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Large Yellow Onions (thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp Paprika
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Bay Leaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the beef cubes, salt, and pepper.
Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
Remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 2:
In the same pot, add the onions.
Cook until they become glossy and tender, stirring occasionally for about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3:
Stir in the paprika, making sure the onions are well-coated.
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
Step 4:
Return the beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth.
Throw in the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5:
Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the beef is tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Add the green bell pepper during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Using Fresh Ingredients
Always use fresh vegetables to enhance the goulash with vibrant flavors and delightful textures that come from fresh produce.
Choosing the Right Beef Cut
Opt for beef chuck as it becomes tender after a long, slow cook, absorbing the rich flavors of the spices and broth.
Balancing the Spices
Start with less paprika if you’re unsure about its potency, then adjust to taste as the goulash cooks.
Thickening the Stew
If your goulash is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken up nicely.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover goulash refrigerated in an airtight container, which will make it easy to reheat for quick, delicious meals later.
What to Serve with Bobby Flay Goulash Recipe
Creamy Polenta
You can’t go wrong with creamy polenta when thinking about what to pair with Bobby Flay’s Goulash!
The smooth, buttery texture of polenta creates a lovely base, letting the rich flavors of the goulash truly stand out.
Plus, it’s a cinch to make alongside your goulash, keeping the evening stress-free.
Crusty Bread
A fresh, crusty loaf of bread is a traditional side that pairs perfectly with goulash.
You’ll love how the crisp crust and soft inside of the bread soak up all the delicious juices from the goulash.
It’s practically a meal on its own!
Cucumber Salad
Want something refreshing on the side?
Try making a light cucumber salad. Just slice cucumbers thin, toss them with a splash of vinegar, some fresh dill, and a pinch of salt.
The bright, tangy salad complements the hearty goulash beautifully and balances the flavors nicely.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables serve as a fantastic side with Bobby Flay’s Goulash.
Roast some seasonal veggies with a bit of olive oil and seasoning for a beautifully colorful addition to your plate.
The added texture and flavor make them a standout accompaniment.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes might not be the first side you think of, but they’re a tasty option!
Their natural sweetness harmonizes well with the savory and spicy notes of the goulash.
Add a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re feeling adventurous.
Variations and Substitutions
Spice it Up!
Want to give your goulash some extra kick?
You can add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder or red pepper flakes.
These spices will transform the dish into something with a bold flair!
Meat Alternatives
If you’re looking to switch up the protein, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
These options provide a different flavor profile while keeping the dish just as hearty.
You might find these alternatives a lighter option, too!
Vegetarian Twist
Going meatless doesn’t mean sacrificing taste!
Use lentils or textured vegetable protein as a replacement for ground beef.
Add extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for more color and flavor.
This will keep the dish satisfying and nutritious!
Extra Tips
For those who enjoy spicy foods, incorporating diced jalapeños or adding a splash of hot sauce can make a big difference.
If you’re unsure, start with small amounts and adjust to your preference.
Experimentation is key to finding what you enjoy most!
How to Store Leftover Bobby Flay Goulash Recipe
After preparing Bobby Flay’s goulash, you might find yourself with delicious leftovers.
Storing them properly is key to keeping your meal fresh and tasty.
Use Airtight Containers
Store your leftover goulash in airtight containers to maintain its rich flavors and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
These containers help in keeping your fridge organized too!
Refrigeration Timeline
Place your goulash in the fridge soon after it cools down to room temperature.
Leftovers can last 3 to 4 days when stored appropriately.
Don’t forget to label the container with the date!
Avoid Fresh Ingredients
If you’re tempted to add fresh ingredients to your goulash before storing, think twice.
Introducing new elements might lead to unwanted bacterial growth and reduce the dish’s shelf life.
Keep it simple and safe!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Browning the Beef
Browning is key to rich flavor in your goulash, so cook the beef thoroughly until it’s perfectly browned.
Rushing this step might result in a lackluster taste.
Allow enough time for the meat to caramelize properly in the pot.
Overcooking Vegetables
If you overcook or improperly cut your vegetables, they can turn to mush and lose their character.
Try slicing them consistently to maintain even texture and flavor.
Cooking them at the right time is crucial to help them retain their vibrant texture.
Ignoring Spices
Using too few spices can make your dish bland and uninteresting.
Make sure you do not skimp on paprika as it is central to the recipe’s flavor.
Consider other essentials like cumin and oregano for that extra depth and warmth!
Bobby Flay Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck cut in 1.5" cubes
- 1 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Large Yellow Onions thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp Paprika
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Green Bell Pepper chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Bay Leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes, salt, and pepper.
- Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the beef and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the onions.
- Cook until they become glossy and tender, stirring occasionally for about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the paprika, making sure the onions are well-coated.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
- Return the beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
- Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth.
- Throw in the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the beef is tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Add the green bell pepper during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.