Hearty and Flavorful Country Goulash

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Country Goulash, a traditional American dish that combines tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty meal to satisfy your hunger. The combination of spices and herbs creates a robust flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve the Country Goulash over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the bell peppers, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the paprika, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried marjoram, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
6. Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
8. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the pot, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
9. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the flavors are well combined.
10. Serve the Country Goulash hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

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