
A savory Hungarian-style goulash soup combines tender meat with spicy paprika and creamy potatoes for a warming stew. The long cooking time makes the meat butter-tender and develops intense flavors.
When I first prepared this recipe in the traditional way, I was surprised how intensely the flavors develop through the long simmering.
Essential Ingredients
- High-quality stew meat: cut yourself
- Paprika powder: for the typical note
- Onions: as flavor base
- Potatoes: make it filling
- Tomato paste: adds depth

Path to Perfect Soup
- Creating the base:
- Sauté onions until translucent. Sear meat on high heat. Briefly roast tomato paste.
- Developing flavors:
- Deglaze with broth. Add spices. Simmer for at least one hour.
Adding Vegetables
- Adding vegetables:
- Dice potatoes and carrots. Cut bell peppers into strips. Add to the meat after one hour.
Creating Variations
Experiment with different types of meat. Caraway seeds for Hungarian note. Chili for extra heat.

Optimizing Storage
In the refrigerator for up to three days. Frozen for up to three months. Add broth when reheating if needed.
This traditional goulash soup is the perfect soul warmer for cold days. The long cooking time is rewarded with butter-tender meat and intense flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which meat works best?
- Beef chuck gives the most traditional flavor. A mix of beef and pork is also possible.
- → How do I make the soup nicely thick?
- Stir in the cornstarch at the end. The potatoes also provide natural thickening.
- → How spicy should the soup be?
- The basic version is mild. Add chilies or cayenne pepper for adults who prefer more heat.
- → Can I freeze the soup?
- Yes, freezing in portions is possible. The potatoes will become slightly softer when reheated.
- → What can I serve with it?
- Classically with fresh bread. Sour cream also pairs well with it.