A Taste of Bavaria: Savory German Beef Goulash with Fluffy Dumplings

Ingredients for German Beef Goulash

For the Beef Goulash:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
• 1 tablespoon paprika (sweet or smoked, depending on your preference)
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup stale bread, cut into small cubes
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Beef Goulash:

1. Sear the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Return the beef to the pot. Sprinkle with paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and bay leaves. Stir to coat the beef and onions with the spices.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
5. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the goulash and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Add sugar if desired to balance the flavors.
6. Season to Taste: Remove the bay leaves. Taste the goulash and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Making the Dumplings:

1. Prepare Bread: Place the stale bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour over the milk and let sit for about 10 minutes until the bread is soaked and soft.
2. Mix Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Combine this mixture with the soaked bread until a thick dough forms.
3. Shape Dumplings: With wet hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls or oval shapes. They should be compact but not overly dense.
4. Cook Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beef goulash hot, ladled over or alongside the dumplings. The combination of the rich, savory meat sauce and the light, fluffy dumplings makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

This German Beef Goulash with Dumplings is perfect for a hearty family dinner or a special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a classic European dish. The depth of flavor from the slow-cooked beef combined with the pillowy dumplings creates a truly unforgettable meal.

Enjoy the taste of Germany right in your own kitchen with this delightful recipe that promises to be both nourishing and delicious. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish will become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Disclaimer: The recipes shared on this blog are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. We do our best to ensure accuracy, but ingredient and preparation variations can alter results. Please use caution and consult a medical professional if you have dietary restrictions or health concerns. The blog and its authors are not liable for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the recipes provided. Always prioritize your health and safety when cooking.