Hungarian Beef Goulash with Nokedli (Hungarian Dumplings)

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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

For the Beef Goulash

  • 700 g beef, cut into cubes
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Hungarian Dumplings (Nokedli)

  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 100–150 ml water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and golden. Add the garlic and caraway seeds, stirring for one minute.

Step 2: Add the Paprika

Remove the pot from the heat briefly and stir in the Hungarian paprika. Add the beef cubes and mix well until coated with the spices.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the tomato paste, chopped bell pepper, tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover.

Step 4: Slow-Cook the Goulash

Simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender. Add the diced potatoes during the last 30 minutes if desired. Add a little water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a bowl, combine the flour, eggs, salt, and enough water to make a thick, sticky batter.

Step 6: Cook the Nokedli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Push small portions of batter through a dumpling maker or colander into the boiling water. Cook until the dumplings float to the surface, then boil for another 1–2 minutes. Drain well.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the hot beef goulash alongside the Hungarian dumplings. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serving Suggestion

Enjoy this traditional Hungarian comfort food with pickles or a fresh cucumber salad. The rich paprika sauce and tender beef make it a delicious and satisfying meal.

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