Traditional Czech Hovězí Guláš: Beef and Onion Paprika Gravy Served with Bread Dumplings (Not Hungarian Gulyás Soup)
Czech hovězí guláš is a thick beef-and-onion paprika stew, not Hungarian gulyás soup. Long cooking dissolves the onions into a glossy gravy, traditionally served with sliced bread dumplings or fresh rye bread.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Cook the onions slowly in the lard over medium-low heat until deep golden, 25 to 30 minutes; this onion base thickens the gravy.
- 2
Take the pot briefly off the heat, stir in both paprikas, then immediately add the beef so the paprika does not scorch.
- 3
Return to the heat and brown the beef. Add the garlic, caraway and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- 4
Add enough stock to come just below the top of the meat. Cover partly and simmer very gently for about 2 hours, stirring and adding small amounts of liquid as needed.
- 5
When the beef is tender, uncover and reduce until the onions have broken down into a thick, glossy gravy.
- 6
Rub in the marjoram and season with salt and pepper. Serve the stew with properly prepared sliced houskové knedlíky and, if desired, a few raw onion rings.
Cook notes
Tips
Use roughly equal weights of beef and onion for a naturally thick Czech-style gravy.
The flavour improves after an overnight rest.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze guláš in portions for up to 3 months.
Substitutions
- Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
- If you don't have sweet paprika, smoked paprika can be used for a different taste.
What to Serve With
- Freshly baked bread
- Pickled vegetables
- A side salad with vinaigrette
Common Mistakes
- Burning the paprika, which makes the stew bitter.
- Adding so much liquid that the dish becomes soup-like.
- Steaming plain bread cubes and calling them bread dumplings instead of serving sliced houskové knedlíky.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute beef brisket or round roast if you prefer.
What is the best way to store leftover guláš?
Store leftover guláš in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the guláš?
Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Kitchen tools
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Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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