Hearty Beef Goulash Soup
A hearty and flavorful beef goulash soup featuring tender potatoes, bell peppers, and a rich tomato broth, perfect for comforting meals and satisfying the palate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes into 1/4 inch dices.
- Coarsely chop the onion.
- In a large saucepan, warm the oil over medium-high heat until hot, not smoking.
- Add onion and garlic and saute until onion is just translucent, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook, breaking meat up with a spoon, until meat just begins to brown, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add tomato juice, beef broth, paprika, black pepper, and potatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and simmer, stirring often, for 10 minutes.
- Cut bell peppers into 1/4 inch dices.
- Stir in peppers and cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine while cooking. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes as they cook. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker; just add all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the goulash soup with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess, while fresh parsley or chives can enhance presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with sides like a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, making it a complete dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it becomes too thick. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Beef Goulash Soup contains roughly 1064 calories, with 58g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (180% of the Daily Value), protein (116% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1407mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add more vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
What can I do if I want a spicier soup?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the bell peppers. Alternatively, a splash of hot sauce can be stirred in just before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).