Description
Cheek Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender beef cheeks, vegetables, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cheeks and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced carrots, diced celery, and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
- Return the browned beef cheeks to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Add a splash of red wine during step 5 for extra depth of flavor.
- You can also substitute beef cheeks with chuck roast if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cheek Goulash, Beef Cheeks, Hearty Stew