Hearty Goulash Soup with Beef and Paprika Swirl

A comforting Eastern European classic

Warm, rich, and full of robust flavors, this Hungarian-inspired Goulash Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner.

2 h 45 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 tbsp olive oil

2 large onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Beef

1½ lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp flour

For the Spice Mix

2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp caraway seeds

1 tbsp tomato paste

For the Broth

6 cups beef broth

2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

3 carrots, peeled and sliced

For the Paprika Swirl

½ cup sour cream

1 tsp smoked paprika

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Season the beef

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.

Coat with flour

Coat the beef with flour evenly.

Rest

Set aside for at least 15 minutes.

Preparing the Spice Mix

Combine spices

Combine both types of paprika and caraway seeds in a small bowl.

Do not let the paprika burn as it can turn bitter. To enhance flavor, bloom the spices briefly in oil.

Mix tomato paste

Mix in the tomato paste to form a thick paste.

Set aside

Set aside until ready to use.

Cooking Process

Sautéing the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until golden.

Heat: Medium

Browning the Beef

Increase heat to medium-high and add the marinated beef cubes. Brown evenly.

Timing: 10 min, Heat: Medium-High

Simmering Everything

Stir in the spice mix and cook briefly. Add beef broth, potatoes, and carrots. Simmer for 2 hours.

Timing: 2 h, Heat: Low

Plating & Serving

Hearty Goulash Soup with Beef and Paprika Swirl

FaUtensils

Serve with Paprika Sour Cream Swirl

Ladle the goulash soup into bowls, swirling in the paprika sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Sauce Pairings

Paprika Sour Cream Swirl

A blend of sour cream and paprika for topping.

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Chopped fresh parsleyCrusty bread

Perfect Sides

Bread rolls

Cucumber salad