Best Egyptian Beef Goulash

There’s something magical about the way Egyptian flavors bring warmth to a dish. This Egyptian Beef Goulash isn’t just stew—it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. With tender beef chunks, aromatic spices, and a deeply savory broth, this recipe delivers both flavor and nostalgia. It’s simple to prepare, hearty enough for weeknights, and impressive enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Egyptian Beef Goulash

You’ll fall in love with this Egyptian Beef Goulash because it combines rich flavors, balanced spices, and satisfying textures all in one pot. It’s comfort food, redefined.

• Tender beef that melts in your mouth
• A flavorful tomato-based sauce with Egyptian-inspired spices
• Simple ingredients you likely already have
• Naturally balanced with protein and veggies
• Easy to batch cook or freeze
• Perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings
  Growing up, I remember my mom simmering stews that filled our kitchen with spice and soul. When I started experimenting with Egyptian flavors, I found the same comforting notes she used—just layered differently. This goulash feels like home to me: warm, honest, and full of heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things rustic and hearty with wholesome ingredients that blend beautifully.

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces (great for slow simmering)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – adds depth and helps brown the beef
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped – the flavor foundation
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – for warmth and aroma
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – thickens and sweetens the sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – signature Egyptian spice
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander – adds citrusy balance
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – gives subtle warmth
• 1 teaspoon paprika – brings color and mild heat
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – sharpens the flavor
• ½ teaspoon salt – or to taste
• 4 cups beef broth – for rich, slow-cooked flavor
• 2 cups diced tomatoes – fresh or canned work well
• 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped – adds texture and freshness
• 1 cup carrots, sliced – sweetens and balances the acidity
• Fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish and brightness
  
  Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
  
• Substitute lamb stew meat for a deeper, traditional flavor
• Use sweet paprika if you prefer mild spice
• Add potatoes or zucchini for extra heartiness
• Try chickpeas for added texture and plant protein
• Replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter twist
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Egyptian Beef Goulash is all about layering flavor slowly and intentionally. Here’s how I like to make it:

1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sear beef chunks on all sides until golden. (Jake tip: Browning creates flavor magic—don’t rush this step.)
   
2. Sauté aromatics: Add onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
   
3. Add tomato paste and spices: Stir in tomato paste, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, and salt. (You’ll smell the spice bloom instantly.)
   
4. Deglaze with broth: Pour in beef broth and scrape up browned bits. Add diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
   
5. Simmer gently: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1½–2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
   
6. Add vegetables: Stir in bell pepper and carrots. Simmer another 20–30 minutes until vegetables are soft but not mushy.
   
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
   Quick reminders:

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
• Adjust salt before serving
• Add more broth if sauce thickens too much
• Let it rest 10 minutes before serving for best flavor

Expert Tips for Success

To make your Egyptian Beef Goulash truly shine, a few small tweaks go a long way.

• Use beef chuck for best tenderness—it breaks down beautifully over time
• Toast spices in the pot to release full aroma before adding liquids
• Simmer low and slow for maximum flavor development
• Avoid overcrowding when browning beef; do it in batches
• Add veggies later to keep them from becoming too soft
• Always taste before serving—adjust with salt, pepper, or a hint of lemon
• Serve with bread or rice to soak up that incredible sauce
  This dish rewards patience and care. Let the aromas fill your kitchen, and you’ll be glad you took your time.

Serving Suggestions

Egyptian Beef Goulash pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and occasions. It’s hearty enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for company.

• Serve over white rice or couscous
• Pair with fluffy pita or flatbread
• Add a side of roasted eggplant or grilled veggies
• Top with yogurt or tahini sauce for creaminess
• Enjoy with a fresh cucumber salad to balance the spices
• Perfect for family dinners or meal prep Sundays
  Get creative—this goulash loves good company. Mix and match sides to make it your own meal masterpiece.

Storing and Reheating

This dish keeps well, which makes it perfect for leftovers and meal prep.
How to Store It

• Store in airtight containers once cooled
• Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freeze portions for up to 3 months
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking
• Reheat only what you’ll eat to preserve texture
  How to Reheat It
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat until hot throughout
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between
• Oven: Reheat covered at 325°F for about 20 minutes
• Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens after cooling
• Stir gently to keep beef pieces intact
  Even after reheating, the flavors stay rich and satisfying—sometimes even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Egyptian Beef Goulash is one of those meals that reminds you why you love cooking. It’s simple, soulful, and packed with character. Each spoonful carries warmth from the spices and tenderness from the beef.

• Trust the process—slow simmering builds flavor
• Taste as you go to find your perfect balance
• Cook with heart, and it’ll always taste better
  For more comforting dishes, check out my Beef Stew with Vegetables or this Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet next time you need a dinner that brings everyone to the table.

Jake

Egyptian Beef Goulash

No ratings yet

Hearty Egyptian‑style beef stew with tender beef chuck simmered in a richly spiced tomato‑based sauce, accented by bell pepper and carrots — comfort food at its best.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 lb beef chuck, cut into bite‑sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 220 g onions, finely chopped
• 4 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 960 ml beef broth
• 480 ml diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 240 ml green bell pepper, chopped
• 240 ml carrots, sliced

Equipment

• large pot heavy‑bottomed, for searing and simmering

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium‑high heat. Add beef chunks and sear on all sides until golden brown.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, and salt until the beef and aromatics are evenly coated and spices bloom.
4. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 1½–2 hours, or until the beef is fork‑tender.
6. Once the beef is tender, stir in the chopped bell pepper and sliced carrots. Continue simmering for another 20–30 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for about 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For a lighter vegetarian version, substitute beef with mushrooms and chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
• You can also swap in potatoes or zucchini for extra bulk, or finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Looking for more recipes like this? Come hang out with me over on Facebook and Pinterest where I drop new recipes, family favorites, and quick how-to guides almost every day.