Description
This hearty and flavorful German Goulash Soup is a comforting dish perfect for cold days. Packed with tender beef, paprika, and vegetables, it’s a one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out. The rich, savory broth and tender chunks of meat make it an authentic and satisfying choice for any meal.
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Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into cubes)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika (preferably sweet paprika)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the paprika, caraway seeds, thyme, cumin, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Add the beef broth, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Return the beef to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
Let the soup simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally and check for seasoning. Add salt to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the bay leaf and discard. Ladle the soup into bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
Use a lean cut of beef such as stew meat or chuck for tenderness.
Adjust the spices – Add more paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Dice the potatoes small to ensure they cook quickly and add creaminess to the soup.
Make-Ahead Option – The soup tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for leftovers or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour