Easy Ground Beef Hungarian Roulash Recipe
Rich in flavor, hearty in texture, and deeply comforting, Hungarian roulash is one of those timeless dishes that instantly warms the soul. Traditionally made with tender cuts of meat, it is often slow-cooked until meltingly soft. In this recipe, we give it a practical twist by using ground beef, making the dish quicker without compromising its signature taste.
Hungarian roulash, also known in some households as a fusion between meat stew and rolled savory dishes, often features paprika, onion, garlic, and a good helping of sour cream. The flavors are deep, the sauce is silky, and it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
What sets this version apart is how it brings all that old-world charm to your plate with ingredients found in most kitchens. No need to marinate or spend hours tenderizing meat. Ground beef picks up the spices beautifully, and the rolled shape is easy to work with. Whether you are making dinner for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings flavor, comfort, and simplicity all at once.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a table outlining the key ingredients along with estimated calorie counts per portion.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (lean) | 1 pound | 800 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 10 |
| Hungarian paprika | 1 tablespoon | 20 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | 30 |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | 220 |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon | 30 |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | 0 |
| Beef broth | 1 cup | 15 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Egg noodles or mashed potato (optional for serving) | 1 cup | 220 |
Estimated Total Calories (without sides): ~1290
(Serves 4; ~322 calories per portion)
Read more: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart using a spatula and cook until browned evenly. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the paprika and tomato paste. Let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the sauce later.
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce reduces and becomes rich and glossy.
Turn off the heat. Let the filling cool slightly before rolling.
To form the roulash-style rolls, scoop a portion of the beef mixture into cabbage leaves or lasagna sheets (depending on your preferred wrapping method), then gently roll each one. Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until heated through. If desired, brush the tops with a little melted butter for extra flavor.
Right before serving, stir the sour cream into the pan drippings or drizzle it over the top of the rolls for a creamy finish.
Read more: How to Make Cheesecake Fruit Salad at Home
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish. Add chopped mushrooms or shredded carrots to the meat mixture for extra nutrients and a touch of sweetness.
Want a low-carb version? Serve the filling on a bed of sautéed cabbage instead of wrapping it. Or spoon it into bell pepper halves and bake until tender.
The paprika is key to authentic flavor. Choose Hungarian sweet paprika if available. For a bit more depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
Sour cream gives the dish its silky finish. Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives can be used as substitutes without losing creaminess.
This dish stores well and can be made ahead. Just prepare and roll, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (without noodles or mashed potatoes):
- Calories: 322
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
This dish is rich in protein and full of flavor. You can boost fiber by serving it with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your roulash over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. Both options soak up the flavorful sauce and make the meal feel complete.
For something lighter, pair it with steamed rice, roasted cauliflower, or warm buttered cabbage. A side of crusty bread helps gather up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
If you are planning a full meal, begin with a cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to contrast the richness of the beef. For drinks, a mild red wine or sparkling water with lemon works well.
Read more: Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Conclusion
Hungarian roulash made with ground beef offers everything you want in a comfort dish. It is rich, flavorful, and comes together easily without needing fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. The warmth of paprika, the creamy finish from sour cream, and the tender texture of seasoned beef make every bite satisfying.
Whether you are introducing someone to the flavors of Hungarian cooking or just making dinner more exciting, this recipe brings old-world charm to your modern table. It is a flexible, forgiving dish that delivers bold taste with minimal effort. Try it once, and you may just find it becoming part of your regular dinner rotation.