Elk Venison Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley - March 09, 2021

For how easy this recipe is to make, you'll be amazed by how flavorful this elk venison Hungarian goulash tastes.

You can't use regular paprika in this elk venison goulash recipe, which doesn't have much flavor – Hungarian paprika is a must. I love goulash over egg noodles, and if you have time, homemade noodles are the best. The intense tomato and meaty flavor in this recipe screams umami, while the cooked down onion gives the sauce great body. This classic Eastern European dish will become a family favorite.

Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours

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Ingredients:

2 pounds elk (or deer) venison roast
2 large onions, sliced
2 tablespoons oil, separated
2 teaspoons Hungarian sweet paprika
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
Kosher salt, to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups water or beef broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried marjoram
Chopped parsley
Cooked pasta, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes

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Directions:

Cut elk or venison roast into 1-inch cubes. You don't have to remove the silver skin – it will soften and give the meat a nice texture later. Combine Hungarian paprika, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and black pepper, and then coat meat with seasonings.
Over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Brown meat on all sides; do not overcrowd the pan and cook in batches. Set aside.

Brown seasoned elk-venison cubes in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan. (Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley photo)
Lower heat to medium and add 1 more tablespoon of oil. Add onion and sweat until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then add cooked meat to the onion, along with tomato paste and garlic. Stir for 1 minute to allow garlic to become aromatic, but do not brown. Add water or broth and marjoram. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about three hours or until venison is moist and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the bottom from sticking and burning.

Simmer elk venison in tomato sauce until the meat is moist and tender. (Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley photo)
Season to taste and serve with pasta, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley.