A single serving Hungarian Goulash with tender beef, sweet paprika, and fresh vegetables. Simmered in a rich broth, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal for one.
Season the Beef: Toss the beef with ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Onions: Melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Brown the Beef: Add the beef to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes until it begins to brown.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Seasonings: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the paprika, the remaining ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, the remaining ⅛ teaspoon pepper, and caraway seeds (if using).
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and return the pot to the stove. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking.
Add Carrot and Potato: Stir in the chopped carrot and the chopped potatoes. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for another 25 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
Taste and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Pour into a bowl and enjoy!
Notes
Choose The Right Paprika: Hungarian paprika is essential for authentic flavor. Regular paprika, which is naturally sweet, works as a good alternative if Hungarian paprika is unavailable. Avoid using hot or smoked paprika alone, as they can alter the flavor. If needed, mix equal parts regular and smoked paprika as a substitute.
Cut The Beef Evenly: Ensure the beef is cubed into even pieces so it cooks uniformly and becomes tender.
Use The Right Size Pan: A 2-quart saucepan is ideal for this single serving recipe, providing enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
Note: You can easily double this recipe to serve two. Simply double all the ingredients and follow the same cooking instructions and use a 4-quart saucepan.