A hearty Hungarian classic packed with tender beef, sweet carrots, potatoes, beans, and plenty of paprika. This comforting one-pot soup is rich, warming, and perfect for a cozy family meal.

🕐 Prep Time

20 minutes

🍲 Cook Time

1 hour 45 minutes

⏱️ Total Time

2 hours 5 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings

6–8

🌍 Cuisine

Hungarian

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Hungarian Goulash Soup

Hungarian goulash soup is the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma while it slowly cooks.

The combination of beef, onions, Hungarian paprika, carrots, potatoes, and a rich broth creates a deeply comforting soup that’s perfect for cold days or whenever you’re craving a traditional homemade meal.

The secret is to let the beef cook slowly until it becomes tender and allows all those wonderful flavors to come together.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Soup

• 2 lb (900 g) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup cooked white beans, optional
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) beef broth or water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon marjoram, optional
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

Optional

For a slightly spicier version:

• ½ teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika
• A pinch of chili flakes

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Hungarian Goulash Soup

1. Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef dry with paper towels and cut it into small, evenly sized pieces.

Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

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2. Cook the Onions

Heat the oil or lard in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.

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3. Add the Paprika

Remove the pot from the heat for a moment and stir in the Hungarian paprika.

This step is important because paprika can become bitter if it burns.

Add the beef and stir well to coat the pieces with the onion and paprika mixture.

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4. Brown and Season the Beef

Return the pot to medium heat.

Cook the beef for several minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add:

• Caraway seeds
• Black pepper
• Marjoram
• Tomato paste

Stir everything together.

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5. Slowly Cook the Beef

Add enough beef broth or water to cover the meat.

Add the bay leaf.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Cover and simmer for approximately 60–75 minutes, or until the beef begins to become tender.

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6. Add the Vegetables

Add the carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and chopped tomatoes.

Pour in the remaining broth if necessary.

Continue simmering for another 25–30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the beef is completely cooked.

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7. Add the Beans

If you’re using white beans, add them during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, and paprika according to your preference.

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8. Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf.

Ladle the hot Hungarian goulash soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping into the rich paprika-infused broth.

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🍞 What to Serve With Hungarian Goulash Soup

This soup is delicious on its own, but traditional-style accompaniments can make it even better.

Try serving it with:

• Crusty rustic bread
• Fresh sourdough
• Homemade dumplings
• Pickles
• Fresh parsley
• A simple cucumber salad

A piece of warm bread is especially good for soaking up the flavorful broth.

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⭐ Recipe Tips

Use good-quality beef

Beef chuck works particularly well because slow cooking makes it tender and flavorful.

Don’t burn the paprika

Hungarian paprika is one of the defining ingredients of this dish. Add it away from direct high heat to prevent bitterness.

Let the soup simmer slowly

Low and slow cooking gives the beef time to become tender and allows the flavors to develop.

Adjust the consistency

For a thicker, stew-like version, use slightly less broth. For a lighter soup, add more broth.

Make it ahead

Goulash soup often tastes even better after resting because the flavors have more time to blend.

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🧊 How to Store

Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

You can also freeze the soup in suitable freezer containers for longer storage. Thaw it safely in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

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🇭🇺 Hungarian Goulash Soup FAQ

What is Hungarian goulash soup?

Hungarian goulash soup, known as Gulyásleves, is a traditional Hungarian soup made with beef, onions, paprika, vegetables, and broth. It is closely associated with Hungarian cuisine and is known for its rich paprika flavor.

Is Hungarian goulash spicy?

Traditional goulash doesn’t have to be spicy. Hungarian paprika can provide a rich, sweet pepper flavor. Hot paprika or chili can be added if you prefer more heat.

Can I use another type of meat?

Yes. Beef is traditional, but some home cooks use pork or other meats depending on the recipe and region.

Can I make it without beans?

Absolutely. Beans are optional in this version. The classic combination of beef, paprika, onions, and vegetables is delicious without them.

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🖨️ Printable Recipe Card

Hungarian Goulash Soup

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 900 g beef chuck
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
• 2 onions
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 2 carrots
• 2 potatoes
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 cup white beans, optional
• 1.5 liters beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook onions in oil until soft.
3. Add garlic and paprika away from high heat.
4. Add beef and seasonings.
5. Add broth and simmer for 60–75 minutes.
6. Add carrots, potatoes, pepper, and tomatoes.
7. Simmer until the vegetables and beef are tender.
8. Add beans during the final 10 minutes if desired.
9. Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley.
10. Serve hot with crusty bread.