Traditional Croatian Goulash

Authentic Croatian Traditional Croatian Goulash — a delicious beef dish with 12 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

20

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

500

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Traditional Croatian Goulash

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 500 g Beef
  • 2 chopped Onions
  • 2 chopped Carrots
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 Bay Leaf
  • 200 ml Red Wine
  • 2 Litres Water
  • 3 tbs Mustard
  • 1 tbsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tbs Vegetable Oil

Instructions

7 steps · ~76 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Clean the meat from the veins if there are some and cut it into smaller pieces, 3 × 3 cm. Marinate the meat in the mustard and spices and let it sit in the refrigerator for one hour

    30 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  2. Step 2

    Heat one tablespoon of pork fat or vegetable oil in a pot and fry the meat on all sides until it gets browned. Once the meat is cooked, transfer it to a plate and add another tablespoon of fat to the pot

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  3. Step 3

    Cut the onions very fine, peel the carrots and shred it using a grater. Cook the onions and carrots over low heat for 15 minutes. You can salt the vegetables a little to make them soften faster

    5 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  4. Step 4

    Once the vegetables have browned and become slightly mushy, add the meat and bay leaves and garlic. Pour over with wine and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate. Now is the right time to add 2/3 the amount of liquid

    15 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  5. Step 5

    Cover the pot and cook over low heat for an hour, stirring occasionally. After the first hour, pour over the rest of the water or stock and cook for another 30-45 minutes

    8 minutes
    Resting allows juices to redistribute for a more flavorful result.
  6. Step 6

    Allow the stew to cool slightly and serve it with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and few slices of fresh hot pepper if you like to spice it up a bit

    5 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  7. Step 7

    Slice ​​some fresh bread, season the salad and simply enjoying these wonderful flavors

    5 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Croatian recipe for Traditional Croatian Goulash is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Hungarian cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your hungarian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Traditional Croatian Goulash is a beloved dish from Hungarian cuisine, originating in Hungary. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Hungarian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best meat for Traditional Croatian Goulash is beef, preferably chuck or brisket, as they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Rate This Recipe

How was this recipe?

Share This Recipe

Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories500kcal
Total Fat23g
Sodium748mg
Total Carbohydrates55g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein60g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineHungarian
CategorySoups
CountryHungary