Cheek Goulash: Discover the Secret to Tender Flavor!

Name: Cheek Goulash: Discover the Secret to Tender Flavor!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-492069H58M34S
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef cheeks, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Chef Hicham1 minute ago

0 0 18 minutes read

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How to Make Cheek Goulash

Now that you’re all set with the ingredients, let’s dive into the heart of the matter: making Cheek Goulash! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and the end result is a warm hug in a bowl. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

Step 1 – Prep Ingredients

First things first, let’s prep those beef cheeks and veggies. Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef cheeks and cutting them into 1-inch pieces. This size is perfect for even cooking and ensures that every bite is tender and flavorful. Trust me, you want to savor every morsel!

Next, grab your trusty cutting board and dice that large onion. The aroma of sautéing onions is one of life’s simple pleasures, isn’t it? Then, mince the garlic—three cloves should do the trick. I always say, the more garlic, the better! Slice the carrots, dice the celery, and chop the red bell pepper. Uniform cutting is key here; it helps everything cook evenly. Plus, it makes for a beautiful presentation!

Step 2 – Begin Cooking

Now, let’s get that pot sizzling! In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the beef cheeks. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as they hit the pan. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because it locks in those delicious flavors.

Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté it until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute. The smell will be heavenly, and your family will start to wonder what’s cooking!

Step 3 – Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in the sliced carrots, diced celery, and chopped red bell pepper. Cook these veggies for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. This is where the magic begins! The colors and aromas will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy restaurant.

Next, add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine everything, and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This step is where the flavors really start to meld together. You’ll want to take a moment to appreciate the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Step 4 – Finish and Serve

Now, it’s time to return those beautifully browned beef cheeks to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours. This is the part where you can kick back and relax, maybe catch up on your favorite show or read a book. Just remember to stir occasionally and check if you need to add more broth.

After a couple of hours, the beef should be tender and easily shredded with a fork. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t forget to remove that bay leaf before serving! Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

And there you have it—your very own Cheek Goulash! Serve it hot, and watch as your family digs in with smiles on their faces. It’s a dish that not only warms the belly but also the heart.

Introduction to Cheek Goulash

Let me tell you, Cheek Goulash is like a warm hug on a chilly evening! This comforting, hearty dish is perfect for busy women like us who are always juggling a million things. Whether you’ve just come home from a long day at work or spent the afternoon shuttling kids to activities, this recipe is here to save the day.

What I love most about Cheek Goulash is how simple it is to prepare. With just a bit of chopping and some time on the stove, you can create a meal that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with rich flavors. The tender beef cheeks simmered with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables make for a dish that feels like a special occasion, even on a regular Tuesday night.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a family favorite that’s easy to whip up? The best part is that it’s a one-pot wonder, which means minimal cleanup! You can spend less time scrubbing pots and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the delightful world of Cheek Goulash!

Why You’ll Love This Cheek Goulash

Let’s be real for a moment: life can get hectic! Between work, family commitments, and everything in between, finding time to cook can feel like a daunting task. That’s where Cheek Goulash comes in to save the day! With a quick prep time of just 20 minutes, you can have this hearty dish simmering away while you tackle the rest of your to-do list. It’s like having a personal chef, minus the hefty price tag!

And the best part? This recipe is a one-pot wonder! After you’ve prepped your ingredients and let them bubble away, you’ll have minimal cleanup to worry about. Just one pot to wash, and you’re free to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of your home and the delightful aroma wafting through the air. It’s a win-win situation!

Now, let’s talk about flavors. Cheek Goulash is a crowd-pleaser, and I can’t stress enough how much my family loves it. The rich, savory taste of the beef cheeks combined with the sweetness of the vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that appeals to both adults and kids alike. Even my picky eaters can’t resist a hearty bowl of this deliciousness! It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, and trust me, you’ll be hearing “Yum!” echoing around your kitchen.

But it’s not just about taste; let’s not forget the nutritional benefits! Beef cheeks are not only incredibly flavorful but also packed with protein. Each serving of Cheek Goulash delivers a hearty dose of nutrients, making it a satisfying meal that keeps you feeling full and energized. Plus, with all those colorful veggies mixed in, you’re sneaking in some extra vitamins and minerals without anyone even noticing. It’s like a stealthy health boost in every bite!

So, if you’re looking for a dish that’s quick to prepare, easy to clean up, and loved by the whole family, look no further than Cheek Goulash. It’s comfort food at its finest, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy it brings to your dinner table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful Cheek Goulash. Each component plays a vital role in creating that rich, comforting flavor we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 pounds beef cheeks, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces: The star of the show! Beef cheeks are incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. If you can’t find beef cheeks, don’t fret! You can easily substitute them with chuck roast, which will still give you a hearty result.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This is what we’ll use to brown the beef cheeks and sauté the vegetables. Feel free to swap it out for olive oil or even avocado oil for a healthier option.
1 large onion, diced: Onions add a sweet and savory base to our goulash. They caramelize beautifully and enhance the overall flavor. If you’re in a pinch, shallots can work as a lovely substitute.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the secret ingredient that elevates any dish! It adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor. If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
2 carrots, sliced: Carrots bring a natural sweetness and a pop of color to the dish. You can also use parsnips for a different flavor profile or even throw in some frozen mixed veggies if you’re short on time.
2 celery stalks, diced: Celery adds a nice crunch and a subtle earthiness. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or replace it with bell pepper for added sweetness.
1 red bell pepper, chopped: This ingredient not only adds color but also a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. You can use any color bell pepper you have on hand—green, yellow, or orange will work just fine!
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Tomato paste thickens the goulash and gives it a rich, deep flavor. If you’re out of tomato paste, you can use crushed tomatoes or even a bit of ketchup in a pinch.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This spice adds a lovely smokiness that takes the dish to the next level. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do, but you might miss that smoky depth.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme is a classic herb that pairs beautifully with beef. If you have fresh thyme, feel free to use that instead—just double the amount!
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano adds a warm, earthy flavor. It’s a staple in many savory dishes, so you might already have it in your pantry!
1 bay leaf: This leaf infuses the goulash with a subtle herbal flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving—nobody wants to bite into a bay leaf!
4 cups beef broth: Broth is the liquid gold that brings everything together. You can use homemade broth or store-bought, but make sure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh): Tomatoes add acidity and brightness to the dish. Canned tomatoes are super convenient, but fresh tomatoes can add a lovely freshness if they’re in season.
Salt and pepper to taste: These are essential for seasoning. Don’t be shy—taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to your finished dish. If you don’t have parsley, fresh basil or cilantro can work too!

With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious Cheek Goulash that will warm your heart and fill your belly. Remember, cooking is all about flexibility, so feel free to make substitutions based on what you have available. Let’s get ready to cook up some magic!