If there’s one dish that is as comforting as it gets, it is Goulash Soup. For generations, bellies have been nourished by a bowl of goulash that is rich, plentiful with beef, and loaded with paprika. It is the kind of dish that has the power to fill a kitchen with irresistable smells and form a sense of community amongst people at the table where they gather to eat—there is no need for complicated ingredients, just bold flavors mixed together with pure satisfaction. This recipe is, without a doubt, the best there is, whether you’re preparing a big pot for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead.
Now, let’s get to the heart of it—how to make the best Goulash Soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and downright irresistible.
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Quick Guide
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What Is Goulash Soup?
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Goulash Soup special. Unlike American-style goulash (which is more of a pasta dish), this version is closer to its Hungarian roots. It’s a thick, brothy beef soup packed with onions, potatoes, carrots, and, of course, a heavy dose of sweet paprika. Some people like it thick like a stew, while others prefer a soupier consistency—you do you!
One thing’s for sure: if you love deep, rich flavors with a little kick, this Goulash Soup will hit the spot.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard (for that old-school touch)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika (trust me, don’t skimp on this)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky depth)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, but highly recommended)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt (or more, to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp marjoram (optional, but adds a nice herbal touch)
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread or Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls (because you’ll want something to soak up all that goodness)
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How to Make Traditional Goulash Soup
1. Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor
Start by heating oil in a substantial cooking pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them until they are browned on all sides. This step locks in the flavor, so don’t rush it! After you remove the beef, make sure to set it aside.
2. Cook the Onions Until Golden
Put the onions in the same pot and sauté them until soft and golden brown. This should take around 10 minutes, and you should not rush thisstage because caramelized onions add a lot of flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Paprika (But Be Quick!)
Stir in the garlic and both types of paprika. Cook for just 30 seconds—any longer, and the paprika could turn bitter.
4. Bring Everything Together
Next, add the beef back into the pot. Stir in the caraway seeds, the diced carrots, and the sliced red bell pepper. Put in the beef stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, marjoram, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper.
5. Let It Simmer
Allow the broth to gently simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. By the end, the meat should be tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork and the broth should have deepened in flavor.
6. Add the Potatoes
About 30 minutes before serving, toss in the cubed potatoes. They’ll soak up all the flavors and help thicken the soup slightly.
7. Adjust and Serve
Check the flavor of the soup and modify the seasoning as necessary. Take the bay leaf out, garnish it with fresh parsley, and serve the dish with crusty bread or easy sourdough dinner rolls.
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Why You’ll Love This Goulash Soup
- Deep, rich flavors – Thanks to the caramelized onions and paprika.
- Hearty and filling – Packed with beef, veggies, and potatoes.
- Easy to make – No fancy techniques, just classic cooking.
- Great for leftovers – The flavors get even better the next day.
Best Dessert to Serve with Goulash Soup
After a big bowl of Goulash Soup, you need something sweet to round out the meal. And let’s be real, when comfort food is on the menu, dessert should match the vibe. That’s why I’d go with a Crookie-Croissant—a flaky, buttery croissant stuffed with gooey chocolate chip cookie dough. It’s the perfect mix of crispy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth indulgent. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
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What is the difference between soup and goulash?
The difference between soup and goulash comes down to texture, consistency, and ingredients. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Goulash Soup vs. Traditional Goulash
- Consistency
- Goulash Soup is more brothy, with a thinner consistency that makes it easy to eat with a spoon.
- Traditional Goulash (Hungarian-style) is thicker, closer to a stew, with less liquid and a more concentrated flavor.
- Ingredients
- Goulash Soup contains beef, onions, paprika, potatoes, carrots, and broth, making it lighter and more soup-like.
- Traditional Goulash often has flour or other thickeners, sometimes with pasta or dumplings, making it heartier.
- Cooking Method
- Goulash Soup simmers for a long time, allowing the flavors to blend while keeping a soupier texture.
- Traditional Goulash is cooked down until the liquid reduces, making it more like a stew.
American Goulash vs. Goulash Soup
In the U.S., American Goulash is a completely different dish—it’s a pasta-based meal with ground beef, tomato sauce, and macaroni, whereas Goulash Soup stays true to its Hungarian roots with a paprika-heavy broth and slow-cooked beef.
So, if you’re craving a rich, comforting meal but still want something you can sip with a spoon, Goulash Soup is the way to go!
What are the two types of goulash?
There are two main types of Goulash, each with its own unique style and ingredients:
1. Hungarian Goulash (Traditional Gulyás)
This is the classic, authentic version that originated in Hungary. It’s a slow-cooked, brothy soup made with:
- Beef (usually chuck or stew meat)
- Onions and garlic
- Hungarian sweet paprika (the key ingredient!)
- Carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers
- Beef broth and tomatoes
- Caraway seeds and bay leaves (optional but traditional)
It’s a soupy, rich, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cold days. Some people like it a little thicker, but it’s never quite a stew.
2. American Goulash (A Totally Different Dish )
American Goulash is not a soup—it’s a pasta-based meal that’s more like a casserole or one-pot pasta dish. It usually includes:
- Ground beef
- Elbow macaroni
- Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
- Garlic, onions, and Italian seasonings
- Cheese (optional, but often added for extra comfort food vibes)
This version is quick, easy, and super popular in the U.S., especially in Midwest households. It’s completely different from Hungarian Goulash, but both are delicious in their own way!
So, if you want a hearty soup, go for Hungarian Goulash. If you’re craving cheesy, beefy pasta, American Goulash is the way to go!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I Make Goulash Soup in a Slow Cooker?
A: Definitely! Brown the beef and onions first, then put everything into a slow cooker. If cooking at low heat, cook for 6 – 8 hours and for high heat, cook for 4 – 5 hours.
Q: What’s the Best Cut of Beef for Goulash Soup?
A: Beef chuck is the best choice because it becomes tender after slow cooking. You can also use stew meat if that’s what you have on hand.
Q: Can I Freeze Goulash Soup?
A: Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool before placing it in an airtight container where it can last for 3 months at most. When it’s time to eat, you can simply reheat it on the stove.
Q: Do I Have to Use Hungarian Paprika?
A: If you want authentic flavor, yes! Regular paprika won’t have the same depth of taste. Look for Hungarian sweet paprika—it’s a game changer.
Q: How Do I Make It Spicier?
A: Of course! Some people like adding parsnips, celery, or even mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Q: How Do I Make It Spicier?
A: Increase the cayenne pepper, or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
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Reader Feedback
Jessica M. “This past week I prepared Goulash Soup and simply put, WOW. It was astounding. The taste was so rich and the paprika was the cherry on top. I used Hungarian sweet paprika like you recommended and it paid off. My family loved it and we even had it for lunch the next day. This is definitely getting added to our list of regular meals to prepare!”
David R. “It was exactly what I was looking for in a recipe! When I followed it, the beef turned out perfectly. The potatoes absorbed all that broth and the sourdough rolls on the side were excellent too. I added a tad more cayenne pepper for some kick and it was good. Thank you for an easy recipe that is not only delicious but comforting as well.”
Your feedback means the world to us! Have you tried this hearty and flavorful Goulash Soup? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you—did you make any tweaks or add your own twist? Your thoughts help others who try the recipe, too!
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On a cold day nothing cuts through the chill quite like Goulash Soup. Its rich taste feels like a warming hug in a bowl. Goulash Soup is hearty, cozy, and guarantees satisfaction whether you stick to its classic recipe or go for your own twist.
So, sit down with a spoon because this is a meal to relish. While you’re at it, make sure to grab that Crookie-Croissant for dessert!