Hungarian Goulash For One (2025)

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Hungarian Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish filled with tender beef, paprika, and colorful vegetables. This single serving version is perfectly portioned, so you can enjoy a warm, satisfying meal without the concern of too many leftovers. Made with simple ingredients, this dish comes together easily for a satisfying meal.

Hungarian Goulash is similar to beef stew, with tender beef and hearty vegetables cooked in a flavorful base. If you’re looking for more single serving or small batch beef recipes, try our Pot Roast, classic Beef Stew, or Beef Stroganoff, served with a tangy sour cream sauce. Each recipe is perfectly portioned and packed with delicious flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Portioned: Our version of Hungarian Goulash is designed for one serving, so there’s no need to worry about extra food going to waste.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make this recipe easy to follow.
• Rich, Bold Flavors: Sweet paprika, onions, and garlic create a deep, savory base.
• Nutritious Vegetables: Packed with carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers for a well-rounded meal.
• One-Pot Cooking: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup quick and easy.

Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving Hungarian Goulash recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

• Beef Chuck Roast: This recipe uses 4 ounces of beef chuck roast, cut into cubes. This amount is perfect for this dish and if you have leftover beef, use it in recipes like Slow Cooker Pot Roast or Ropa Vieja.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These ingredients season the dish. I use Diamond Crystal brand of kosher salt for its ability to dissolve quickly and its lighter texture which allows for more precise seasoning.
• Butter: Used for browning the beef and adding richness to the dish.
• Onions and Garlic: These create the aromatic base of the goulash, bringing depth and flavor to the broth.
• Paprika: This recipe calls for a generous amount of paprika to achieve authentic flavor. Use Hungarian sweet paprika if possible. Regular paprika, which is naturally sweet, works as a good alternative if Hungarian paprika is unavailable. Avoid using hot paprika.
• Crushed Caraway Seeds (optional): I occasionally use a scant 1/4 teaspoon to add a subtle, earthy flavor, but they’re not always in my pantry. If you don’t have them, simply leave them out or substitute with fennel seeds or a small pinch of oregano.
• Vegetables: Use red and yellow bell peppers along with a carrot to add vibrant color and natural sweetness to the dish. If you have leftover bell peppers, try using them in recipes like Greek Chicken or Vegetable Lasagna. Extra carrots are perfect for Lentil Soup, Fried Rice, or Morning Glory Muffins.
• Roma Tomato: A roma is the perfect size for this recipe, but you can use a small tomato of a different variety if needed.
• Potato: Use one small russet potato or a few baby red potatoes, about 3 ounces total. Extra potatoes can be used in Chicken Stew or Cottage Pie.
• Beef Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the goulash. Leftover broth can be used in Bangers and Mash or Salisbury Steak.

Recipe Variations

There are many ways to adjust this single serving Hungarian Goulash to suit your preferences or make use of what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Extra Vegetables: Add more vegetables such as parsnips, celery, or green beans for added flavor and texture.
• Add Extra Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or marjoram, finely chopped, for an extra layer of flavor.

Expert Tips

• Choose The Right Paprika: Hungarian paprika is essential for authentic flavor. Regular paprika, which is naturally sweet, works as a great 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.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this flavorful goulash with one of these simple sides to complete your meal:

• French Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, a great complement to the tender beef and vegetables.
• Buttered Noodles: A classic, hearty side that works beautifully with the goulash.
• White Rice: A neutral base that lets the bold flavors of the dish shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

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