Russian Beef Goulash
Russian Beef Goulash is a hearty, slow-simmered stew of tender beef, vegetables, and tomato sauce that's traditionally served over buckwheat. This family recipe delivers rich, savory flavor with minimal hands-on time.
Russian Beef Goulash is a hearty, slow-simmered stew of tender beef, vegetables, and tomato sauce that's traditionally served over buckwheat. This family recipe delivers rich, savory flavor with minimal hands-on time.
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In a large pot or pan over high heat, add avocado oil and brown the beef until golden.
While the beef is cooking, chop the onion, carrot, and bell peppers.
Add the chopped vegetables to the pot with the browned beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the tomato paste and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the can of diced tomatoes and salt to taste. Stir to combine.
Pour in enough hot water to just cover the meat and vegetables.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
After an hour, add the bay leaves to the pot.
Continue to cook, uncovered, for 10 more minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
Serve the goulash hot over cooked buckwheat, mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Freeze in airtight containers up to 3 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently on stovetop, adding water if sauce has thickened too much.
Beef stew meat is ideal for its tenderness after simmering. Chuck roast or brisket work as alternatives; cube them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Total time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, including browning the meat and vegetables (12-15 minutes) and simmering for 1 hour plus a final 10-minute reduction.
Yes. Refrigerate cooked goulash up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding water if needed to restore sauce consistency.
Mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta are traditional alternatives and are mentioned in the recipe's serving suggestions.
Bay leaves added near the end of cooking provide a subtle, fresh herbaceous note without becoming overpowering, as they infuse quickly in the final 10 minutes.
