Hearty Goulash Soup
Hearty goulash soup combines tender beef, vibrant peppers, and smoky paprika for a warming, flavorful dish perfect for hearty meals and cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown beef shanks in heated oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven. Remove and reserve the shanks as they brown.
- Discard the drippings from the pan.
- Add butter to the pan and cook the onions over medium heat until limp and lightly browned.
- Mix in garlic and paprika.
- Add beef shanks (with any juices), water, chopped red and green bell peppers, salt, caraway seed, crushed red chile, and chopped tomatoes with liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a mix of beef shank and chuck roast. You can substitute the caraway seed with fennel seeds if you prefer a different taste. To thicken the soup, consider adding a tablespoon of flour mixed with water or a small amount of cornmeal. If you want a bit of sweetness, adding a diced carrot can complement the spices well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the goulash soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Empanadas(Ecuadorian Meat Turnover) for a hearty feast that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze the goulash soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Goulash Soup contains roughly 424 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1422mg per serving (62% 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 for this goulash soup?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck roast or brisket. These cuts will also become tender when simmered in the soup. For a lighter option, chicken can be substituted, but adjust the cooking time accordingly since chicken cooks faster.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add beans for protein and texture, making it a nutritious and filling dish.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
To adjust the heat, you can either reduce the amount of dried hot red chile or choose a milder variety of peppers. If you prefer more spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste. Always taste as you go to find your preferred level of heat.
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).