This Hairy Bikers Goulash Soup Recipe is a rich and smoky dish, which includes beef shin and sweet paprika. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeHairy Bikers Goulash Soup Recipe Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 750g beef shin or chuck steak, cubed
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced
- 3 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp hot paprika
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1.2 litres beef stock
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 tsp dried marjoram
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Sour cream, to serve

How To Make Hairy Bikers Goulash Soup Recipe
- Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large pan. Season and brown the beef in batches over medium-high heat. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, soften onions for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and diced peppers, cooking for 5 more minutes.
- Add spices: Stir in sweet paprika, hot paprika, and caraway seeds. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the soup base: Stir in flour, then slowly add beef stock while stirring. Return beef to the pot.
- Simmer the soup: Add chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, marjoram, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for at least 2 hours until beef is tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream.

Recipe Tips
- What cut of beef is best for goulash soup? Beef shin or chuck steak are ideal because they become tender during slow cooking.
- How to make it spicier: Add more hot paprika or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, after browning the meat and cooking the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely. Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Why add sour cream on top? It adds creaminess and balances the smoky flavor.
What To Serve With Goulash Soup
This hearty soup pairs well with simple sides:
- Crusty bread or rolls
- Boiled potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Pickled vegetables

How To Store Goulash Soup
Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Portion and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.
Goulash Soup Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of chunks?
You can, but the texture and richness won’t be the same.
Why is my beef tough?
It may need more cooking time. Simmer until fork-tender.
Can I skip the caraway seeds?
Yes, but they add a traditional flavor that defines Hungarian-style goulash.
How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer uncovered near the end or add a cornstarch slurry.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Curry Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham And Leek Pie Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder Recipe
Hairy Bikers Goulash Soup Recipe
Course: SoupsCuisine: American4
servings20
minutes2
hours10
minutes300
kcalA rich and hearty Hungarian-style soup with beef, peppers, and sweet paprika for a warming, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
2 tbsp sunflower oil
750g beef shin or chuck steak, cubed
2 large onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced
3 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tsp hot paprika
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 tbsp plain flour
1.2 litres beef stock
400g chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato purée
2 tsp dried marjoram
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper
Sour cream, to serve
Directions
- Brown seasoned beef in oil, set aside.
- Soften onions, then cook garlic and peppers for 5 minutes.
- Stir in paprikas and caraway; cook 1 minute.
- Add flour and gradually mix in beef stock.
- Return beef, add tomatoes, purée, marjoram, bay leaves.
- Simmer covered for 2 hours. Remove bay leaves, season, and serve with sour cream.
