Meta Title: Hungarian Babgulyás Recipe – Authentic Hungarian Bean Goulash

Meta Description: Learn how to make authentic Hungarian Babgulyás, a hearty bean goulash with tender beef, white beans, vegetables, and sweet Hungarian paprika. This traditional one-pot meal is rich, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.

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hungarian-babgulyas-bean-goulash-recipe

Hungarian Babgulyás (Bean Goulash)

Babgulyás is a traditional Hungarian soup that combines two beloved staples of Hungarian cuisine—goulash and beans. Rich with tender beef, creamy white beans, potatoes, carrots, and Hungary’s famous sweet paprika, this hearty soup is a complete meal that’s especially popular during the colder months.

Unlike classic Hungarian Goulash Soup, Babgulyás includes beans, creating an even heartier and more filling dish. Slow-simmered until the beef is fork-tender and the broth is infused with paprika and vegetables, this rustic soup is a favorite at family gatherings and countryside kitchens throughout Hungary.

Serve it with crusty bread and a dollop of sour cream for an authentic Hungarian dining experience.

What Is Babgulyás?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Kitchen Equipment
Step-by-Step Instructions
Recipe Variations
Serving Suggestions
Expert Tips
Storage & Reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

What Is Babgulyás?

Babgulyás literally means “Bean Goulash.” It’s a traditional Hungarian soup made with beef, white beans, onions, potatoes, carrots, paprika, and aromatic spices. The soup is slow-cooked until the meat becomes incredibly tender and the broth develops a deep, rich flavor.

Many regional recipes also include Hungarian smoked sausage (Kolbász) or homemade csipetke (Hungarian pinched noodles).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Hungarian comfort food
Rich paprika flavor
Tender slow-cooked beef
High in protein and fiber
One-pot meal
Perfect for meal prep
Even better the next day

Ingredients

Main Soup

1 lb (450 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups (300 g) dried white beans, soaked overnight (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
2 tablespoons pork lard or vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 parsley root or parsnip, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
2 bay leaves
8 cups (2 liters) beef broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste