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Egyptian Beef Goulash

Tender beef chuck simmered with aromatic spices including cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, combined with vegetables in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Egyptian, Middle Eastern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck cut into 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium onions finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes canned or fresh
  • 1 cup green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup carrots sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat beef dry with paper towels. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering. Season beef with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, then add to pot in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Brown for 5-7 minutes, turning to caramelize all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add chopped onions to the same pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent, scraping up browned bits. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
  4. Return beef to pot and toss to coat with spice mixture for 1 minute. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally every 15 minutes.
  5. Remove lid and add green bell peppers and carrots. Continue simmering uncovered for 15 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender and beef falls apart easily. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers especially delicious. Can be made in slow cooker: brown meat and sauté onions first (steps 1-3), then cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding vegetables in the last hour. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Pat beef dry before browning for better crust development.