Ghoul-ash Stew Spooky Goulash (Printable Version)

Beef, vegetables, and paprika create a hearty, spooky stew crowned with mozzarella 'eyeballs' for Halloween flair.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium onions, finely chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
05 - 2 red bell peppers, diced
06 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
07 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
08 - 1 cup button mushrooms, quartered
09 - 1 small zucchini, sliced (optional)

→ Liquids

10 - 4 cups beef broth
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Spices & Seasonings

13 - 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
16 - 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
17 - 1 bay leaf
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish & Halloween Touches

19 - 6 small mozzarella balls
20 - Sliced black olives, for pupils
21 - Fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until well browned on all sides. Remove browned beef and set aside.
02 - Add chopped onions to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until softened, around 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
03 - Add sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram. Stir for 30 seconds to release flavor and aroma.
04 - Return beef to the pot. Add carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini if using, potatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, bay leaf, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly to combine.
05 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 90 minutes or until beef and vegetables are fork-tender and stew is thickened.
06 - Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf and discard.
07 - Ladle stew into bowls. Float mozzarella balls in each portion and top with a sliced olive for the illusion of an eyeball. Finish with chopped parsley.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Full of comforting flavor with paprika rich sauce
  • Uses budget friendly ingredients found at any market
  • Simple steps with festive fun Halloween touches
  • Naturally gluten free and easy to make dairy free
  • Great for prepping ahead or feeding a hungry crowd
02 -
  • Bursting with protein and good carbs makes a full meal
  • Paprika and caraway offer antioxidant benefits
  • Clever Halloween touches make kids excited to help
03 -
  • Always toast your spices for the deepest base flavor
  • If beef is not browning properly make smaller batches to prevent crowding Try mini mozzarella pearls for more eyeballs with each bowl Use a heavy bottomed pot to prevent burning and get the richest sauce

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