Goulash Soup
This beef builds lean beef chuck, cut into 2 cm cubes, large potatoes, diced and caraway seeds into a crowd-pleasing meal you can have ready in about 70 minutes. Scroll down for the ingredient checklist, a serving scaler and unit converter, and the method broken into 7 steps.
You'll mainly reach for large pot and saucepan. At medium difficulty across 7 steps, it's manageable with a little attention.
What you'll need
Shopping list (3)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: contains meat, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: none of the major allergens we track from the ingredients listed.
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page β how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- Heat the oil in a large heavy pot and sweat the chopped onions over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Remove the pot from the direct heat, stir in both the sweet and hot paprika quickly so they do not scorch and turn bitter, then return it to the heat.
- Add the beef cubes, garlic, caraway seeds and thyme, and stir for a few minutes to coat the meat and seal the surfaces.
- Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the beef stock, bring to a simmer and cook gently covered for about 1 hour until the beef begins to turn tender.
- Add the diced potatoes and red bell pepper and continue simmering uncovered for another 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are soft and the broth has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mashing a few potato pieces against the side of the pot to lightly thicken the soup.
- Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes off the heat, then ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread.
You'll use: Large pot Β· Saucepan
Tips & common questions
How long does Goulash Soup take to make?
About 70 minutes from start to finish β an estimate based on the 7 steps and 13 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes β use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
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Adapted recipe β rewritten in our own wording from an open-licensed community cookbook, not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Goulash Soup is adapted by Consomee from the Wikibooks Cookbook, rewritten in our own wording and used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: 02021 1020 (2) Goulash soup of Poland.jpg by Silar, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure β how we source recipes.