Collins Goulash: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe for Any Occasion

Goulash, a stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika and other spices, is a dish with origins that can be traced back to medieval Hungary. Over the centuries, it has evolved into countless regional and family variations. This recipe, which we call “Collins Goulash,” is a hearty and flavorful take on the classic, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion. It’s relatively easy to make, utilizing simple ingredients, yet delivers a depth of flavor that will impress your family and friends.

## What Makes Collins Goulash Special?

Several things set this particular goulash apart. First, the use of both beef chuck and smoked sausage adds layers of richness and complexity. Second, the combination of sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne provides a balanced and nuanced spice profile. Finally, the slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a truly unforgettable dish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

* **Beef Chuck:** 2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes. Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. The marbling ensures rich flavor.
* **Smoked Sausage:** 1 lb, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds. Choose a good quality smoked sausage with a pronounced flavor. Kielbasa or Andouille would work well. Ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it.
* **Onions:** 2 large, chopped. Yellow or white onions are suitable.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent aroma.
* **Bell Peppers:** 2 (1 red, 1 green), chopped. The colors add visual appeal and different flavor notes.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 28 oz (one large can). Use good quality diced tomatoes, preferably with their juice.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the sauce.
* **Beef Broth:** 4 cups. Low sodium beef broth allows you to control the salt level better.
* **Sweet Paprika:** 2 tablespoons. Hungarian sweet paprika is best, but any good quality sweet paprika will work.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1 tablespoon. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste). Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper depending on your spice preference. Start with a small amount and add more later if needed.
* **Caraway Seeds:** 1 teaspoon. Caraway seeds add a distinctive, slightly licorice-like flavor that complements the other spices.
* **Dried Marjoram:** 1 teaspoon. Marjoram adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1. Bay leaf infuses the goulash with a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Used for browning the meat and vegetables.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors.
* **Optional Toppings:** Sour cream, fresh parsley, crusty bread, egg noodles, mashed potatoes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious Collins Goulash.

**Step 1: Prepare the Beef**

* Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. This will help them brown properly.
* Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper.

**Step 2: Brown the Beef**

* Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
* Add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will cause the beef to steam instead of brown.
* Brown the beef on all sides until it is nicely seared. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
* Add the chopped bell peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.

**Step 4: Build the Flavor Base**

* Stir in the tomato paste, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, caraway seeds, and dried marjoram. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.

**Step 5: Combine Ingredients and Simmer**

* Return the browned beef to the pot.
* Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and bay leaf.
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become. Check the goulash periodically and add more beef broth if needed to keep the meat covered with liquid.

**Step 6: Add the Sausage**

* During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the sliced smoked sausage to the goulash. This will allow the sausage to heat through and release its smoky flavor into the stew.

**Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve**

* Remove the bay leaf from the goulash.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that the flavors will continue to develop as the goulash sits.
* Serve the Collins Goulash hot, garnished with sour cream and fresh parsley, if desired. It’s delicious served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for dipping.

## Tips for the Best Collins Goulash

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final product will be. Choose good quality beef chuck, smoked sausage, and spices.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the beef:** Brown the beef in batches to ensure proper searing. This will create a beautiful crust and enhance the flavor of the goulash.
* **Allow the spices to bloom:** Cooking the spices in the tomato paste and vegetables for a minute or two will help them release their flavors and create a more complex and aromatic dish.
* **Simmer low and slow:** Slow cooking is key to tenderizing the beef and allowing the flavors to meld together. Resist the urge to rush the process.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your taste:** Taste the goulash periodically and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper as needed.
* **Make it ahead of time:** Goulash is even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to develop. Make it a day or two in advance and reheat it before serving.
* **Freeze leftovers:** Leftover goulash can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

## Variations and Additions

While this Collins Goulash recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Add other vegetables:** Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, or celery would all be great additions.
* **Use different types of meat:** Pork shoulder, lamb, or venison could be substituted for the beef chuck.
* **Add a touch of sweetness:** A tablespoon of brown sugar or honey can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the beef chuck and smoked sausage with mushrooms, lentils, or other plant-based proteins.
* **Add a splash of red wine:** A cup of dry red wine can add depth and complexity to the flavor.
* **Serve with different sides:** Try serving the goulash with spaetzle, polenta, or rice.

## Serving Suggestions

Collins Goulash is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **As a main course:** Serve it in a bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
* **Over noodles or potatoes:** Spoon it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or spaetzle for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **With crusty bread:** Serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the rich sauce.
* **As a potluck dish:** It’s perfect for potlucks and gatherings because it can be made ahead of time and is easy to transport.
* **For meal prepping:** Make a big batch and divide it into containers for easy and convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients).
* Protein: 30-40 grams.
* Fat: 25-35 grams.
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams.

*Please note that this is an approximate nutritional estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Conclusion

Collins Goulash is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich and flavorful sauce, tender beef, and smoky sausage, it is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy a hearty bowl of Collins Goulash!

Enjoy this recipe, and don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to make it your own. Bon appétit!