Immerse yourself in the delightful warmth of European comfort food with our Goulash Soup recipe! This hearty dish captures the spirit of traditional goulash in a cozy bowl. Join us in exploring the simple yet vibrant ingredients that come together to create a flavorful masterpiece. It’s a culinary journey you won’t want to miss!
In this culinary exploration, we will delve into the essential components of making Goulash Soup, highlighting the main ingredients that define this classic dish. From tender beef to the aromatic combination of paprika, onions, and garlic, each element is vital in creating the rich, savory goodness that goulash is well-known for. Three key ingredients in the goulash recipe must not be omitted: tomatoes, bell peppers, and paprika.
Hungary, the birthplace of this delightful dish, often showcases beef as the star ingredient for its savory broth. But don’t worry, there are wonderful vegetarian options too, along with tempting variations featuring chicken and pork, each bursting with flavor! You can even leave out the potatoes and still savor a delectable goulash stew that complements any side, be it creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite grain. By following the recipe closely, you’ll create a mouthwatering beef soup with a hearty, nourishing broth that’s sure to impress. Enjoy this culinary adventure!

The main advice I would give you is not to add much spices as they can overwhelm the taste of the main ingredients.
Join us as we guide you through the steps of creating a delicious Goulash Soup that not only warms the body but also delights the taste buds. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a home cook looking for a comforting winter dish, this recipe is designed to reveal the secrets to making goulash soup at its best.
Basic Goulash Soup Ingredients:

- 500 g beef meat;
- 1 l water (broth);
- 3 potatoes;
- 1 red bell pepper;
- 100 g tomatoes;
- 1 onion;
- 2 garlic cloves;
- 1 tsp. tomato paste;
- 1 tsp. paprika;
- 3-4 tbsp. sunflower oil;
- salt, and pepper to taste.
How to make Hungarian goulash at home:
- Rinse meat under water, drain all the water, or pat it with paper towels. Cut beef into small cubes.

- Fry beef cubes in the oiled skillet for 3 minutes on each side. Make sure that the skillet’s surface is very well warmed up before placing meat there and you cook meat on high heat.

- Chop onion into small pieces. Take a deep pot, heat several spoons of oil in a deep pot, add onion, and cook it until soft. Add paprika and stir.

- Add fried beef meat cubes to the pot.

- Pour water/broth into the pot to cover the meat, let it boil on high heat and then reduce it. Cook goulash for 1.5 hours under the lid. Besides, broth should be slightly simmering, and do not forget to stir it from time to time.

- Peel potatoes, and cut them into cubes. In an hour and a half, add them to simmering beef in the pot.

- Cut bell pepper into quarters; get rid of the seeds. Thus, pepper quarters are cut into cubes together with tomatoes (approximately the same size as the meat cubes). Add cut vegetables to the pot.

- Add remaining broth (if you had one), stir all the ingredients in the pot, and let it boil until cooked through. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Remove from the heat and let the goulash sit for 15 minutes under the lid for all the aromas and flavors to incorporate. Enjoy your meal!

We hope this recipe has not only warmed your soul but also given you a taste of the rich heritage and flavors that define this European classic. The art of making Goulash Soup is a celebration of simplicity, where humble ingredients come together to create a comforting symphony of textures and tastes.
This Hungarian goulash recipe is sure to impress you. You won’t regret trying it, trust me. It’s both delicious and nutritious. While the recipe does take some time to prepare, it doesn’t require any special cooking skills. You really can’t mess it up! The key is to ensure the meat is cooked through without overcooking the potatoes, especially if you’re making goulash soup.
Goulash Soup Recipe with Beef
Ingredients
- 500 g beef meat
- 1 l water (broth)
- 3 potatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 100 g tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 3-4 tbsp. sunflower oil
- salt, pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse meat under water, drain all the water, or pat it with paper towels. Cut beef into small cubes.
- Fry beef cubes in the oiled skillet for 3 minutes on each side. Make sure that the skillet`s surface is very well warmed up before placing meat there and you cook meat on high heat.
- Chop onion into small pieces. Take a deep pot, heat several spoons of oil in a deep pot, add onion, and cook it until soft. Add paprika and stir.
- Add fried beef meat cubes to the pot.
- Pour water/broth into the pot to cover the meat, let it boil on high heat, and then reduce it. Cook goulash for 1.5 hours under the lid. Besides, broth should be slightly simmering, and do not forget to stir it from time to time.
- Peel potatoes, and cut them into cubes. In an hour and a half, add them to simmering beef in the pot.
- Cut bell pepper into quarters; get rid of the seeds. Thus, pepper quarters are cut into cubes together with tomatoes (approximately the same size as the meat cubes). Add cut vegetables to the pot.
- Add remaining broth (if you had one), stir all the ingredients in the pot, and let it boil until cooked through. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Remove from the heat and let the goulash sit for 15 minutes under the lid for all the aromas and flavors to incorporate. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
May the tender beef, combined with a harmonious blend of paprika, onions, and garlic, linger in your memory and inspire you to recreate this beloved dish in your kitchen. Whether shared at a family dinner or enjoyed as a personal treat, Goulash Soup stands as a testament to the joy that emerges when time-honored recipes meet the artistry of home cooking.
If you’re on Pinterest, don’t hesitate to pin this delicious recipe! It’s the perfect way to share it with friends and family. Spread the joy of cooking and inspire others to create something wonderful!
I hope this Goulash Soup becomes a beloved addition to your collection, ready to bring warmth and flavor to chilly evenings or whenever you desire a bowl of nourishing goodness.
Julia Miller is the founder of FreeFoodTips. Julia loves to travel and test new recipes. Here you will find recipes that are simple, delicious and perfect for everyday meals. FreeFoodTips is also packed with cooking tips and tricks.








