Saucy Hungarian Red Potato Goulash: Comfort Food with a Rustic Twist

When the weather turns chilly and you’re in the mood for something hearty and deeply comforting, few dishes satisfy quite like Saucy Hungarian Red Potato Goulash. This rustic stew blends tender red potatoes, onions, and bell peppers with a richly seasoned paprika-infused sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet.

Goulash has long been a staple of Hungarian home cooking, traditionally made with beef and slow-cooked over an open flame. This potato-based version keeps all the warm, spiced flavor of the classic while highlighting creamy red potatoes as the star ingredient. The result is a vegetarian-friendly, budget-friendly meal that’s still full of depth and comfort.

Whether you serve it as a main dish with crusty bread or as a side to roasted meats, this saucy potato goulash is a cozy recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, hearty flavor – Sweet paprika and slow-simmered vegetables create a savory depth.

• Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

• Vegetarian-friendly – No meat, but still hearty enough to satisfy.

• Customizable – Add sausage, beans, or extra veggies if desired.

• Perfect for meal prep – Flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For 4–6 servings:

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika (use fresh, high-quality paprika for best flavor)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, traditional in Hungarian goulash)

• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

For Serving

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Sour cream (optional)

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add onions and bell peppers; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 2: Add Paprika and Spices

1. Reduce heat to low and stir in sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds.

2. Toast spices for 30 seconds—this releases their oils and boosts flavor.
   Tip: Avoid high heat at this stage to prevent paprika from burning and turning bitter.

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Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

3. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.

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Step 4: Add Potatoes

1. Add cubed red potatoes to the pot.

2. Bring mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender but not falling apart.

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Step 5: Adjust Consistency

1. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mash a few potato cubes into the broth and stir.

2. For a thinner consistency, add a splash more broth.

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Step 6: Serve

• Ladle goulash into bowls.

• Garnish with chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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Tips for the Best Saucy Hungarian Red Potato Goulash

• Use quality paprika – Fresh Hungarian sweet paprika makes all the difference.

• Toast the spices – Brings out their depth and aroma.

• Don’t rush the simmer – Letting it cook slowly blends the flavors beautifully.

• Balance the flavors – Taste at the end and adjust salt or acidity (a splash of vinegar can brighten it).

• Meal prep tip – This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

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Flavor Variations

• Meat lovers – Add sliced smoked sausage or browned beef chunks.

• Extra vegetables – Toss in carrots, celery, or zucchini.

• Spicier version – Add hot paprika or chili flakes.

• Creamy twist – Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• With bread – Rustic sourdough or rye bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce.

• Over noodles – Serve over egg noodles for a heartier meal.

• With a salad – Pair with a light cucumber or cabbage salad to cut through the richness.

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Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 240

• Protein: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 44g

• Fat: 7g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 6g

Values vary depending on serving size and added ingredients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use Yukon gold potatoes instead of red?
Yes—Yukon golds have a creamy texture and hold their shape well.

2. What’s the difference between sweet and smoked paprika?
Sweet paprika has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, while smoked paprika adds a smoky depth.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—sauté onions, peppers, garlic, and spices first, then transfer to the slow cooker with remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6–7 hours.

4. Is this dish authentic Hungarian goulash?
This is a variation—traditional Hungarian goulash typically contains beef and is more soup-like. This version is vegetarian-friendly and uses potatoes as the main ingredient.

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Final Thoughts

Saucy Hungarian Red Potato Goulash is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. With its rich paprika sauce, tender potatoes, and hearty vegetables, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or serving to guests who appreciate rustic comfort food.

It’s proof that simple, affordable ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable—especially when you take the time to layer flavors with care.

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