Goulash Soup (Hungarian-Style)
A rich, hearty soup filled with tender beef, paprika, vegetables, and warming spices. Perfect for cold days!
🛒 Ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1½ pounds (700 g) beef chuck, cut into small cubes
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sweet paprika (Hungarian paprika if available)
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional but traditional)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, diced
6 cups (1.5 liters) beef broth
1 bay leaf
Optional: pinch of hot paprika or chili flakes for heat
Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions:
Brown the beef
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook the aromatics
In the same pot, sauté onion until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add paprika & spices
Remove pot briefly from heat and stir in paprika and caraway seeds (this prevents burning).
Stir quickly.
Build the soup
Return beef to the pot.
Add tomato paste, bell pepper, carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer
Pour in beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
Cover and simmer gently for 1½ hours, or until beef is very tender.
Final taste check
Adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
🔥 Tips for Best Flavor:
Use good-quality sweet paprika — it’s the heart of this soup.
The soup thickens naturally from the potatoes. If you prefer thicker, mash a few potatoes into the broth.
Goulash Soup
