Goulash Revolutionized: How To Cook It In The Oven For Perfect Results

Are you craving a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm your soul on a chilly night? Look no further than goulash, a classic Hungarian stew that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. While traditional goulash is typically cooked in a Dutch oven over an open fire, this recipe will guide you through the process of making an equally delicious goulash in the comfort of your own oven.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer browned beef to a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
• Add paprika, cumin, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Sauce Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and oregano.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Vegetables to Beef

• Pour sauce over browned beef in the baking dish.
• Add carrots, celery, and green bell pepper.

Step 5: Bake in Oven

• Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
• Remove foil and continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, or until beef is tender.

Step 6: Add Peas

• Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until peas are heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Remove from oven and serve hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
• If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth.
• Add other vegetables to your liking, such as potatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Goulash: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Sweet Goulash: Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar or honey to the sauce.
• Smoky Goulash: Use smoked paprika and smoked beef broth for an extra layer of flavor.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I make goulash ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make goulash up to 3 days in advance. Simply let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat over medium heat before serving.

Q: Can I freeze goulash?
A: Yes, you can freeze goulash for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating over medium heat.

Q: What side dishes can I serve with goulash?
A: Goulash pairs well with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side salad or pickled vegetables.