Name: Creamy German Goulash
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490926H59M55S
Total time: PT-490926H59M55S
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 lbs stewing beef or chuck roast, cut into 1‑inch chunks; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 large onion, sliced or chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons sweet paprika (or a mix of sweet and smoked); 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional); 4 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream; 1–2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Creamy German Goulash is a rich and hearty beef stew with tender chunks of meat simmered in a flavorful paprika-spiced sauce. This version adds a creamy twist to the traditional dish, making it even more comforting and perfect for colder days. I love serving it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious gravy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how comforting and deeply flavorful this dish is. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after simmering, and the creamy sauce adds a smooth, luscious finish that makes every bite satisfying. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Plus, it’s simple to make with just a bit of prep and slow cooking.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Stewing beef (cut into chunks)
Onion (sliced or chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Bell pepper (optional, chopped)
Tomato paste
Paprika (sweet or smoked)
Caraway seeds (optional, for authentic flavor)
Beef broth
Sour cream or heavy cream
Flour (for thickening, optional)
Olive oil or butter (for browning)
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by heating oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. I brown the beef in batches to get a nice sear, then remove it from the pot.
In the same pot, I sauté the onions until they’re soft and golden, then add the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another minute.
I stir in tomato paste, paprika, and caraway seeds, cooking for a minute to deepen the flavor.
I return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. I bring it to a simmer, then cover and let it cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
Once the beef is soft, I stir in the sour cream or heavy cream to make the sauce creamy. If I want it thicker, I mix a bit of flour with water and stir it in, cooking a few more minutes.
I season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 1.5 to 2 hours to cook, depending on how tender I want the beef. It’s a great dish to start early and let simmer while I take care of other things.

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms or carrots for more texture. If I want a thicker sauce without flour, I reduce the broth more before adding cream. For a spicier version, I add a pinch of chili flakes or hot paprika.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, I just add a splash of broth or water. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What makes this goulash German?

German goulash tends to be milder and richer than Hungarian versions, often including a creamy finish and sometimes caraway seeds for depth.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the onions, I add everything (except the cream) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. I stir in the cream at the end.

Can I use sour cream and heavy cream together?

Absolutely. I sometimes use both for extra richness—sour cream for tang, and heavy cream for smooth texture.

What’s the best cut of beef for this?

I use chuck roast or stewing beef. It becomes super tender with slow cooking and holds flavor well.

What sides go well with this?

I love serving it with buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or even rice. Crusty bread is great for dipping too.

Conclusion

Creamy German Goulash is one of those dishes that makes my whole kitchen smell amazing and always brings comfort to the table. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether I’m cooking for a cozy family meal or prepping something hearty for the week, this recipe is always a winner