Orsini'S Goulash Soup
Orsini's Goulash Soup offers a hearty blend of ground meats, tomatoes, and vegetables, infused with marjoram and lemon juice for a tangy, savory flavor. Perfect for family dinners or cold evenings, it combines rich, comforting tastes with a touch of brightness, making it a satisfying and warming meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large bay leaf ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork sausage ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 large potatoes, diced ⓘ
- Juice of 1 lemon ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion, garlic, and bay leaf in oil until soft and yellow.
- Add ground pork sausage and ground beef; cook until browned.
- Add canned tomatoes, chopped green pepper, diced potatoes, lemon juice, and marjoram.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add beef bouillon cubes and water to fill a 5-quart saucepan nearly full.
- Stir in chopped parsley.
- Cook for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider browning the meat in batches to avoid steaming. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If fresh marjoram is unavailable, dried marjoram works well, though use less. Adding a splash of vinegar can enhance the soup's flavor. For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes into the broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the goulash soup with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with Yorkshire Pudding for a comforting dinner. For a refreshing contrast, consider a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency. This soup also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orsini'S Goulash Soup contains roughly 1462 calories, with 70g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (140% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, Orsini's Goulash Soup actually benefits from sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve. Just be mindful that potatoes may soften over time, so if you prefer them firmer, consider adding them fresh when reheating.
What can I use instead of beef bouillon cubes?
If you prefer not to use bouillon cubes, you can substitute with low-sodium beef broth or stock. Use about 4 cups of broth in place of the water and bouillon cubes. This will enhance the overall flavor of your soup while keeping it rich and savory.
Is there a vegetarian option for this goulash soup?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground meats with a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and chopped vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon cubes and adjust the seasoning accordingly. This will create a hearty and satisfying soup without compromising on flavor.
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).