Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Vegan Hungarian Goulash

Cozy paprika stew vibes, minus the meat. This tangy-sweet vegan goulash is packed with peppers, potatoes, and a tomato-paprika broth that tastes like it simmered all day.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
A steaming bowl of vegan Hungarian goulash with potatoes, bell peppers, and a rich red paprika broth on a rustic wooden table
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Hungarian goulash is the kind of bowl you want when the weather is doing the most and you need dinner to act like a weighted blanket. Traditionally it leans on beef, but the soul of the dish is really the paprika-forward broth, the soft potatoes, and that sweet peppery backbone that makes you go back for one more spoon.

Quick expectation-setter: in Hungary, gulyás is often more soup-like, and some versions use little to no tomato. This vegan-friendly take is intentionally brighter and more tomato-forward, with the same cozy paprika energy.

This version keeps the spirit intact and turns the volume up on two things I love: tang and gentle sweetness. We build a base of onions and peppers, bloom sweet Hungarian paprika in oil so it actually tastes like something, then balance tomatoes with a splash of vinegar and a little maple. The result is cozy, bright, and deeply satisfying without requiring a culinary degree or a trip to a specialty store.

A wooden spoon stirring a pot of vegan goulash showing softened onions, paprika-tomato broth, and chunks of potato

Why It Works

  • Big paprika flavor without bitterness: We bloom the paprika briefly, then add liquid right away so it stays fragrant, not scorched.
  • Tangy and sweet balance: Tomatoes plus a small hit of vinegar and maple syrup give that slow-simmered taste even on a weeknight timeline.
  • Hearty texture: Potatoes thicken the stew naturally, and mushrooms add savory bite that feels meaty without trying too hard.
  • Accessible ingredients: Everything is grocery-store friendly, and the recipe is flexible if you need swaps.

Pairs Well With

  • Buttered-style egg-free noodles with parsley
  • Crusty bread or a toasted garlic roll for dunking
  • Simple cucumber salad with dill and vinegar
  • Steamed green beans with lemon and flaky salt

A bowl of vegan goulash served with crusty bread on the side and a small plate of cucumber salad

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Let the goulash cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days (best quality).

Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (best quality) in freezer-safe containers. Leave a little headspace because potatoes and broth expand.

Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickened up. Microwave works too, just stir halfway through so the potatoes heat evenly.

Texture tip: Potatoes can soften more after freezing. If you want firmer cubes, slightly undercook the potatoes by 2 to 3 minutes before chilling and freezing.

Common Questions

Is this actually Hungarian goulash?

This is goulash-inspired and flavor-faithful, but veganized. Also worth noting: in Hungary, gulyás is often more soup-like than a thick stew. This version lands in the cozy, stew-y zone on purpose.

What are the signature ingredients?

Paprika and onions are the heart of it. Many versions often include peppers and potatoes too, but families and regions do their own thing. This recipe leans tomato-forward with peppers and potatoes for a bright, weeknight-friendly bowl.

What kind of paprika should I use?

Use sweet Hungarian paprika if you can find it. Regular sweet paprika works too. Avoid smoked paprika as the main one here because it changes the dish into a smoky stew. If you love a little smoke, add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, not more.

How do I make it spicier?

Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika or cayenne, or stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Taste as you go. Heat from hot paprika can sneak up.

Help, my paprika tastes bitter. What happened?

Paprika can scorch fast. Keep the heat at medium or lower and stir constantly for the short bloom. If you are nervous, pull the pot off the heat when you add the paprika, stir for 20 seconds, then add the broth right away to cool things down.

Can I make it oil-free?

You can sauté the onions and peppers with splashes of broth or water, but blooming paprika in oil gives the best flavor. If you go oil-free, add the paprika with the tomato paste and a few tablespoons of broth right away and keep the heat low to prevent bitterness.

Any salt notes with soy sauce?

Yes. Soy sauce and tamari vary a lot. If you are using regular (saltier) soy sauce, start with 1 teaspoon less salt in the pot, then adjust at the end after the potatoes are tender.

What can I use instead of potatoes?

Sweet potatoes work and lean into the sweet side. For a more classic vibe, try parsnips or white beans. If using beans, add them near the end so they do not break down.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté the onions, peppers, garlic, tomato paste, and paprika on the stove first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low 6 to 7 hours or high 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

I started making this when I wanted something stew-like that did not demand a whole Sunday. The first batch was good, but it tasted a little flat, like it was wearing paprika instead of being paprika. The fix was simple: bloom the spice, then hit it with tomato, vinegar, and a tiny bit of sweetness. Now it is one of those recipes I make when I need dinner to feel generous, even if I am cooking in sweatpants and my kitchen looks like a pepper exploded.