This hearty Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash is made with braising steak, sweet Hungarian paprika, onions, garlic, mixed peppers, tomato purée and beef stock. The result is a richly flavored, savory slow‑cooked stew with tender meat and vibrant vegetables—a perfect main course. It’s ideal for chilly evenings or weekend family dinners, with generous servings for 6 people
Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 kg braising steak (like chuck), cut into 4 cm chunks
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
- 3 medium onions, cut into wedges
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tsp hot smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 tsp flaked sea salt, freshly ground black pepper
Liquid & Seasoning:
- 1 beef stock cube
- 600 ml cold water
- 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 bay leaves
Vegetables:
- 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 orange pepper, chopped
Garnish (optional):
- Soured cream
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
How To Make Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash
- Preheat the oven and prep meat: Preheat oven to 170 °C (150 °C fan) / Gas 3½. Season steak chunks well with salt and pepper.
- Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large flameproof casserole. Fry steak in batches over high heat until deeply browned. Set aside
- Sauté onions & garlic: Add onions to the pot; cook with the beef for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 1 minute more.
- Spice & simmer: Sprinkle in both paprikas; crumble in the stock cube. Add water, tomatoes, tomato purée, and bay leaves. Season and stir. Bring to simmer.
- Oven braise: Cover pot and place in oven for 1½ hours.
- Add peppers: After 1½ hours, remove from oven, stir in chopped peppers, cover again and cook for a further 1 hour until meat is meltingly tender.
- Rest & serve: Check seasoning and adjust. Garnish each bowl with soured cream and parsley or chives if desired.

Recipe Tips
- Use fatty braising cuts: Chuck or shin give rich flavor and tender texture through slow cooking.
- Don’t crowd the pan when browning: Batches ensure deep caramelization and better flavor.
- Layer the peppers in late: They stay vibrant and retain slight texture without becoming mushy.
- Sweet Hungarian paprika is key: It offers authentic flavor depth—avoid substituting all smoked or sweet paprika.
- Let the goulash rest before serving: Flavors meld and sauce thickens, making it more satisfying.
What To Serve Hungarian Goulash With
Serve Hungarian goulash with buttered noodles, lightly crushed boiled potatoes or egg dumplings. A swirl of soured cream and chopped chives on top brightens the rich stew. For a full feast, add crisp bread or pickled vegetables on the side.
How To Store Hungarian Goulash Leftovers
Refrigerate: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating until piping hot.
Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash Nutrition Facts
- Serving size: 1 bowl (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 306 kcal
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pork or lamb instead of beef?
Yes, pork shoulder or lamb shoulder work well. Adjust cooking times for tenderness. - Is it possible to make this on the stove?
Yes—after browning, simmer gently on the hob for about 2 ½ hours with occasional stirring. - How spicy is this goulash?
The paprika used is mild to medium. Add chili flakes if you want heat. - Can I prepare this ahead?
Absolutely. Goulash often tastes better after a day. Reheat gently, adding a splash of stock if needed.

Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash recipe
Description
Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash is a slow‑cooked stew of tender beef, paprika‑rich sauce, and colorful peppers simmered to perfection. Rich and warming, it’s ideal for feeding a family or guests on chilly nights.
Ingredients
Liquid & Seasoning:
Vegetables:
Garnish (optional):
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prep meat: Preheat oven to 170 °C (150 °C fan) / Gas 3½. Season steak chunks well with salt and pepper.
- Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large flameproof casserole. Fry steak in batches over high heat until deeply browned. Set aside.
- Sauté onions & garlic: Add onions to the pot; cook with the beef for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 1 minute more.
- Spice & simmer: Sprinkle in both paprikas; crumble in the stock cube. Add water, tomatoes, tomato purée, and bay leaves. Season and stir. Bring to simmer.
- Oven braise: Cover pot and place in oven for 1½ hours.
- Add peppers: After 1½ hours, remove from oven, stir in chopped peppers, cover again and cook for a further 1 hour until meat is meltingly tender.
- Rest & serve: Check seasoning and adjust. Garnish each bowl with soured cream and parsley or chives if desired.