Hungarian Goulash Soup (Gulyásleves)

Hungarian Goulash Soup, known as Gulyásleves, is one of Hungary’s most iconic traditional dishes. Unlike thick American-style versions of goulash, authentic Hungarian goulash soup is a hearty, paprika-rich soup made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and aromatic spices.

The secret is slow cooking: onions and Hungarian paprika create a deeply flavorful base, while the beef becomes tender as it gently simmers in the rich broth. It’s rustic, warming, and perfect with a thick slice of crusty bread.

🇭🇺 What Is Hungarian Goulash Soup?

Gulyásleves literally means “herdsman’s soup.” The dish has roots in the cooking traditions of Hungarian cattle herders, who prepared hearty meals over an open fire.

Traditional goulash soup is characterized by:

• Tender beef
• Plenty of onions
• Hungarian paprika
• Potatoes
• Carrots and root vegetables
• Garlic
• Caraway seeds
• A rich but brothy consistency

The paprika gives the soup its unmistakable Hungarian flavor and beautiful red color.

🥩 Ingredients

For the Soup

• 2 lb (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika, optional
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 parsnip, sliced
• 1 small celery root, diced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 8 cups (2 liters) beef broth or water
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Optional Csipetke

• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• Pinch of salt