Thick cuts of tender beef simmer to perfection in a rich and flavorful gravy infused with traditional hot and sweet paprika and peppery caraway – finish our rindsgulasch recipe with butter-infused egg noodles or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
What is Rindsgulasch?
The term ‘goulash’ dates back to the 9th century Hungary; it’s said to have been eaten by shepherds while they went to pasture with the sheep. The meal has transformed overtime, with most of the world creating their own version of the dish.
Unlike Hungarian goulash, the Austrian version is known for its thick, bright-colored gravy, attributed to the heavy use of paprika. Onions slow cook to thicken the beef goulash recipe, and the caraway seeds and dill complete the flavor.
What You Need to Make this Recipe
- Paprika: Responsible for the bright color, paprika is the primary flavor, and you’ll love the combination of sweet and hot paprika. For best results, use fresh Hungarian-sourced paprika. If you only can only purchase one, make it sweet paprika and add a teaspoon of cayenne to balance the sweetness. Check out this article for more information about the different types of paprika and how to use them.
- Boneless Short Rib: The tenderness of the short rib as it cooks down in the gravy is unrivaled, so if you can find it on sale-go for it! However, chuck roast is a more affordable option.
- Butter: Sauté the onions and impart flavor with butter.
- Onion: Traditional goulash doesn’t use flour or roux, so onions thicken the gravy beautifully, resulting in a rich and concentrated flavor.
- Caraway Seed: Caraway seeds provide a peppery-citrus finish.
- Garlic: I suggest using two cloves, but measure with your heart!
- Better Than Bouillon: I use Better Than Bouillon and water in place of beef broth. It’s flavorful, easy, and something I always keep in my pantry.
- Tomato Paste: Adding a spoonful of tomato paste intensifies the flavor and deepens the color of the gravy.
- Bay Leaves: Subtly flavor the dish with clove-like aromatics.
- Fresh Dill: Dill compliments the beef and caraway. You may want to leave it out, but don’t! Make it as is, and enjoy the tasty combination of rich gravy and bright, fresh dill.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides the right amount of acidity to highlight the richness of the gravy.
- Sour Cream: Garnish with sour cream.
How to Make Rindsgulasch
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C) and combine one tablespoon of sweet paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Coat the beef with the mixture.
Step 2: Melt butter in a Dutch oven on low-medium heat. Add onion and cook until caramelized and softened.
Step 3: Stir in the caraway seeds and minced garlic.
Step 4: Then, add hot paprika and the remaining five tablespoons of sweet paprika.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in the water, Better than Bouillon, tomato paste, and simmer.
Step 6: Next, add the reserved beef and bay leaves to the Dutch oven. Cover and cook in the oven for 2 hours.
Step 7: Remove the pot and give it a quick stir, then return it to the oven uncovered to cook for another hour.
Step 8: Let stand for 5-10 minutes. Deglaze with apple cider vinegar, finish with fresh dill, and stir to combine.
Step 9: Garnish with dill and sour cream. Serve with buttery egg noodles.
Expert Tips
- Beef takes time to break down; I recommend setting aside at least 3 hours for the meat to become fork-tender.
- Traditional Austrian rindsgulasch does not contain flour or roux. Instead, it relies on onions as a thickening agent to create a flavorful gravy. We do the same in this recipe, so reserve enough time for the onions to caramelize; they can take 30-45 minutes, but it’s worth the wait!
SEARCHING FOR MORE LIKE THIS?
If you love this recipe, try one of these beef stew recipes!
Can I Make This Recipe in the Instant Pot?
Don’t have the time to wait for this recipe to slow-cook in the oven? Cut the cooking time in half by making Instant Pot Austrian goulash.
Serving Suggestions
- Egg Noodles, Traditional Spätzle
- Mashed Potatoes, Boiled Potatoes, Mashed Cauliflower, Roasted Potatoes, Potato Pancakes
- White Rice, Brown Rice, Polenta
- Pressgurka
- Sauerkraut
- Semmel Knoedel (Bread Dumplings)
What to Do With the Leftovers
It is a well-known fact that goulash tastes better the next day. If you enjoy this meal on night one, wait until you dig into the leftovers!
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4 days.
- Freeze – I suggest freezing the beef and gravy separately and preparing fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve. First, let the stew cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Rindsgulasch freezes for three months.
- Thaw – Defrost the beef in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat – Warm the leftovers on the stovetop, and prepare your sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in rindsgulasch?
Authentic recipes for Viennese beef goulash consist of beef shank cooked with caramelized onion and seasonings like marjoram, paprika, and caraway.
What cut of beef is used for Austrian beef goulash?
Beef shank is the most popular cut to use. However, I love using boneless short ribs, especially if you can find them on sale. Chuck roast works well in this recipe and is much more affordable.
More Beef Recipes:
Rindsgulasch (Austrian Beef Stew)
- Small Bowl
- 6 tablespoon sweet paprika,
divided - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground
- 5 pounds short rib or chuck roast, boneless, cut into 1½- inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter, salted
- 2 large yellow onions, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons caraway seed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon hot paprika
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Beef Better Than Bouillion
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 3 bay leaves
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 package egg noodles, cooked according to package
- sour cream, for garnish
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C) and combine one tablespoon of sweet paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Coat the beef with the mixture.
- In a Dutch oven, melt butter on low-medium heat. Add onion and cook until caramelized and softened, for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the caraway seeds and minced garlic. Then, add hot paprika and the remaining five tablespoons of sweet paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Slowly whisk in the water, Better than Bouillon, and tomato paste. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Next, add the reserved beef and bay leaves to the Dutch oven. Cover and cook in the oven for 2 hours.
- Remove the pot and give it a quick stir, then return it to the oven uncovered to cook for 1 hour.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes, then stir in the apple cider vinegar and finish with fresh dill.
- Garnish with more dill and sour cream. Serve with buttery egg noodles.
- This is a recipe from Milkstreet I simply had to try! I loved it so much I also made an Instant Pot version of the same recipe.
- Beef takes time to break down; I recommend setting aside at least 3 hours for the meat to become fork-tender.
- Traditional Austrian rindsgulasch does not contain flour or roux. Instead, it relies on onions as a thickening agent to create a flavorful gravy. We do the same in this recipe, so reserve enough time for the onions to caramelize; they can take 30-45 minutes, but it’s worth the wait!
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Miroslav
Friday 26th of May 2023
Great winter recipe!
Tressa Jamil
Friday 26th of May 2023
It's a regular in our rotation too, especially when we can find the beef on sale!
Lukas Fischer
Friday 26th of May 2023
This recipe is a winner! The boneless short rib melts in your mouth, and the rich, flavorful gravy is simply irresistible. The traditional spices like hot paprika and caraway take it over the edge. I ate it with mashed potatoes, and it hit the spot.
Tressa Jamil
Friday 26th of May 2023
Yum, the way you wrote that made me hungry. I am so glad you enjoyed the meal!
Sophia Müller
Friday 26th of May 2023
I tried Rindsgulasch recipe for the first time! The boneless short rib was incredibly tender, and the gravy was so flavorful. You weren't kidding. My roommate and I had it with egg noodles. A must-try for any comfort food lover!
Tressa Jamil
Friday 26th of May 2023
I love how meals can make you feel all warm and cozy. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
fede
Tuesday 4th of October 2022
I am made this beef stew and so super delicious. Can't way to make it again.
Tressa Jamil
Tuesday 11th of October 2022
It's definitely one you want to file away to make again! Thanks for trying it.
Rick
Friday 16th of September 2022
Our goto fall stew. So full of flavor and rich, it is very filling. We love Austrian goulash and this recipe is always a hit.
Tressa Jamil
Saturday 17th of September 2022
I am thankful you found a recipe you can come back to again and again.