Traditional Croatian Goulash Recipe - Authentic Beef Stew

Authentic Croatian Beef recipe — Traditional Croatian Goulash. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Traditional Croatian Goulash Recipe - Authentic Beef Stew

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 lbs beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium onions (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons paprika (preferably sweet Hungarian)
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 medium bell peppers (chopped)
  • 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Brown the Beef

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides.

    Do not overcrowd the pot; brown in batches if necessary.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic

    Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

    Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning.
  3. Add Spices

    Stir in paprika and caraway seeds (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

    Ensure the spices are well mixed with the meat.
  4. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients

    Pour in the beef broth and add the bell peppers, potatoes, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.

    Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat.
  5. Simmer

    Cover the pot and let the goulash simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

    Stir occasionally and add more broth if it gets too thick.
  6. Serve

    Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.

    Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Tags: Soup

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 4 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened.

What to Serve With

Complete your international meal with these perfect pairings:

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

About This Dish

Traditional Croatian Goulash Recipe - Authentic Beef Stew is a beloved dish from International cuisine.

International 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 medium difficulty and uses 13 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use brisket or round, but chuck is preferred for its tenderness.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories450kcal
Total Fat20gg
Sodium800mgmg
Total Carbohydrates30gg
Dietary Fiber4gg
Total Sugars5gg
Protein35gg

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

Recipe Details

CategorySoups