Easy Potato Goulash Recipe
Introduction
Easy Potato Goulash is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. Made with tender potatoes simmered in a rich paprika-infused broth, it’s simple to prepare and wonderfully satisfying.

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (use soy sauce to make this oil-free)
- 1 onion, peeled and finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely diced
- 4-5 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes or small pieces
- 3 teaspoons sweet paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder (optional)
- 3.5 cups vegetable stock
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1-2 tablespoons corn starch (or potato starch)
- ¼ cup water
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté while stirring constantly until soft and golden brown.
- Step 2: Add the potato cubes, sweet paprika, smoked paprika (if using), tomato paste, and vegetable stock to the pot.
- Step 3: Season with salt and ground pepper, adjusting according to the saltiness of your vegetable stock.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Step 5: Dissolve the corn starch in ¼ cup of water with a whisk, then stir this into the goulash.
- Step 6: Add any optional ingredients like beans or sliced sausage if desired.
- Step 7: Simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream before serving.
- Step 9: Serve hot with flatbread, such as naan, or a side dish of your choice.
Tips & Variations
- For an oil-free version, replace olive oil with soy sauce and sauté the onion and garlic gently.
- Try adding smoked sausage or beans for extra protein and heartiness.
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor or leave it out for a milder taste.
- If you prefer a thicker goulash, add a little more corn starch dissolved in water.
Storage
Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock if it becomes too thick.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use an Instant Pot by sautéing the onion and garlic using the sauté function, then adding the remaining ingredients and cooking on high pressure for about 8 minutes. Release pressure naturally before thickening with cornstarch and finishing as directed.
What can I serve with potato goulash?
This dish pairs well with flatbreads like naan, crusty bread, or even rice. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables also make good complementary sides.
PrintEasy Potato Goulash Recipe
This Easy Potato Goulash is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring tender potato cubes simmered in a rich paprika-spiced tomato and vegetable stock base. It’s a delicious, vegetarian-friendly dish that can be customized with beans or sausage and topped with fresh herbs and creamy yogurt or sour cream, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (use soy sauce to make this oil-free)
- 1 onion, peeled and finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely diced
- 4–5 potatoes (depending on size), peeled and cut into cubes/small pieces
- 3 teaspoons sweet paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder (optional)
- 3.5 cups vegetable stock
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1–2 tablespoons corn starch (or potato starch)
- ¼ cup water
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced garlic and onion and sauté, stirring constantly, until they are soft and golden brown.
- Add potatoes and spices: Add the cubed potatoes, sweet paprika powder, smoked paprika powder (if using), tomato paste, and vegetable stock to the pot.
- Season the mixture: Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, considering the saltiness of your vegetable stock.
- Simmer the goulash: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
- Prepare thickening agent: While potatoes cook, whisk the corn starch into ¼ cup of water until smooth.
- Thicken the goulash: Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the corn starch slurry to the goulash to start thickening the sauce.
- Add optional ingredients: This is the stage to incorporate any additional ingredients like beans or sliced sausage, if desired.
- Final simmer: Simmer the goulash uncovered for about 5 more minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken adequately.
- Add toppings: Once thickened, add preferred toppings such as fresh parsley and a generous dollop of yogurt or sour cream to enhance flavor and texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve your potato goulash hot with a side of flatbread like Easy Naan Bread or your favorite accompaniment.
Notes
- Instant Pot instructions are available and can be used as a quicker cooking alternative.
- Use soy sauce instead of olive oil for an oil-free version.
- The saltiness of the dish depends largely on the vegetable stock used, so season accordingly.
- Adjust the thickness of the goulash by varying the amount of corn starch slurry.
- Additional protein such as beans or sausage can be added to make the dish more substantial.
Keywords: potato goulash, easy goulash recipe, vegetarian goulash, paprika recipe, one-pot meal, hearty potato dish

