If you are craving something truly comforting and packed with rich, robust flavors, this Hearty Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash Soup with Savory Spices Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of beef mingling with vibrant vegetables and a fragrant blend of spices, all simmered slowly to perfection. Each spoonful delivers a warm hug of smoky paprika, earthy caraway seeds, and thyme, making this dish an unforgettable meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hearty Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash Soup with Savory Spices Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether adding depth of flavor, vibrant color, or satisfying texture to the final dish.
- Beef chuck roast: Provides tender, flavorful meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth after slow cooking.
- Vegetable oil: Used to sear the beef, locking in juices and enhancing the soup’s richness.
- Large onions: Add sweetness and depth once caramelized, forming the soup’s flavor base.
- Garlic cloves: Bring aromatic warmth that complements the spices perfectly.
- Sweet Hungarian paprika: The star spice that gives this goulash soup its distinct smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
- Caraway seeds: Introduce a subtle earthiness and hint of anise flavor, making the soup truly authentic.
- Dried thyme: Adds herbal notes that enhance the overall complexity.
- Black pepper and salt: Balance and bring out all the vibrant flavors.
- Beef broth: Forms the hearty liquid base brimming with meaty goodness.
- Diced tomatoes: Provide acidity and a touch of sweetness, rounding out the soup’s profile.
- Carrots and potatoes: Offer comforting textures and a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the beef.
- Bell pepper: Adds color and a mild crunch for contrast.
- Red wine vinegar: Brightens the flavors with a gentle tang.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the soup with subtle aromatic layers during slow cooking.
- Fresh parsley: Garnishes the finished soup with freshness and a pop of green.
How to Make Hearty Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash Soup with Savory Spices Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add those beautifully cubed pieces of beef chuck roast and sear them on all sides until they develop a mouthwatering golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and sets the foundation for an incredibly flavorful soup. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside—trust me, this searing is worth the extra step.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onions. Cook them patiently until they soften and turn translucent, releasing their sweet aroma into the air. Then, stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just one more minute so the fragrance fills your kitchen but doesn’t burn. This combination forms a savory base that makes your goulash soup truly memorable.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Now it’s time for the magic—sprinkle the sweet Hungarian paprika, caraway seeds, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt over the onion-garlic mixture. Stir everything together, letting the heat gently toast the spices for about a minute. This process intensifies their flavors and imbues the whole dish with that signature smoky, herbal warmth that defines this Hearty Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash Soup with Savory Spices Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return the browned beef cubes to the skillet, then pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped bell pepper. Stir to mix all the ingredients evenly. Don’t forget the red wine vinegar and bay leaf—these little additions add brightness and fragrance that round out the richness beautifully.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Transfer everything into your slow cooker, cover, and set it to cook low for about 8 hours—or for a bit quicker meal, high for 4 hours. During this gradual cooking, the beef will become incredibly tender, and all the flavors meld into an unforgettable harmony. Your house will smell amazing while the soup works its magic.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and give your soup a taste. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt or black pepper if needed, making sure every bite is perfectly balanced and deliciously satisfying.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot, comforting soup into bowls, making sure each serving has plenty of beef, veggies, and broth. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a lovely color contrast and a fresh finish. Now you’re ready to dig into the very best Hearty Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash Soup with Savory Spices Recipe!
How to Serve Hearty Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash Soup with Savory Spices Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the presentation but also introduces a fresh, herbal note that elevates the soup’s richness. A dollop of sour cream on top is another traditional and creamy addition that pairs wonderfully with the smoky spices.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal all by itself, but pairing it with crusty bread, warm rye slices, or buttered egg noodles makes it even more special. These sides help soak up the flavorful broth and add comforting textures to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in small, individual crocks or hollowed-out bread bowls to impress your guests. Alternatively, garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few fresh caraway seeds on top for an eye-catching, aromatic experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Hearty Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash Soup with Savory Spices Recipe tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
To enjoy this comforting soup later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
For reheating, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge and then warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling after freezing to keep the beef tender and the vegetables intact. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this goulash soup?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use beef stew meat or brisket. Just make sure the meat is suitable for slow cooking to ensure it becomes tender.
Is sweet Hungarian paprika available everywhere?
Sweet Hungarian paprika is commonly found in specialty stores or online. If you’re having trouble finding it, regular sweet paprika can work, but the flavor won’t be quite as authentic or vibrant.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Simmer the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender. Keep the pot partially covered and check the liquid levels, adding broth if necessary.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar if I don’t have any?
You can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, just use slightly less since these alternatives can be more potent. The acidity helps balance the rich flavors of the goulash.
How spicy is this goulash soup?
This recipe is mildly spiced with sweet paprika and aromatic spices but not hot or fiery. If you prefer some heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Hearty Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash Soup with Savory Spices Recipe. Taking the time to slow cook this dish rewards you with tender beef and a richly flavored broth that comforts from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to become one of your treasured go-to meals. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with its hearty goodness!
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Hearty Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash Soup with Savory Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 8h 0m
- Total Time: 8h 20m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Description
This Hearty Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef chuck simmered with savory spices, vegetables, and rich broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, the slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while producing melt-in-your-mouth beef and a robust, warming soup.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
Spices and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
Liquids and Other
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle the sweet Hungarian paprika, caraway seeds, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine and toast the spices for about 1 minute to enhance their flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the skillet, then add beef broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, red wine vinegar, and bay leaf. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Transfer everything from the skillet into a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or on high for 4 hours) until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Final Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the goulash soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
- Adjust the paprika amount according to your wished spice level.
- Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for variety.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- Serve with crusty bread or dumplings for a complete meal.
