Celiac.com 06/27/2026 - Goulash has deep roots in Central Europe, especially Hungary, where herdsmen once cooked hearty stews over open fires using meat, onions, paprika, and simple ingredients that could travel well. Over time, the dish spread across Europe and beyond, taking on many forms, from slow-simmered beef stew to quicker family-style skillet meals with noodles or potatoes.