🍲 Traditional German Goulash Soup – Hearty Beef & Paprika Stew

Introduction – Why Try Traditional German Goulash Soup

There’s nothing more comforting on a cold day than a bowl of Traditional German Goulash Soup. This hearty dish combines tender beef, sweet paprika, onions, and potatoes into a flavorful stew that warms both body and soul. In my family, goulash soup was the answer to snowy afternoons—its rich aroma filled the house, and we would gather around the table with slices of bread, laughing while the storm raged outside.

🥩 Ingredients for Traditional German Goulash Soup

To prepare this cozy German goulash, you’ll need:

• 2 tbsp oil or butter
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for German Goulash Soup

1. Heat oil in a large pot and brown the beef cubes on all sides.
2. Remove beef, then sauté onions and garlic until golden.
3. Stir in paprika, coating onions and beef.
4. Return beef to the pot and add broth.
5. Simmer gently for 1–1.5 hours until beef is tender.
6. Add potatoes (and bell pepper if using). Cook another 20 minutes.
7. Season to taste and serve hot.

⭐ Why This Traditional German Goulash Soup Works

This Traditional German Goulash Soup balances rich flavors with simple preparation. The slow simmering brings out the natural sweetness of onions and depth of paprika. Unlike Hungarian goulash, the German version is more of a soup—brothier and often served as a starter or light meal. It’s proof that humble ingredients, cooked with care, can become something unforgettable.

❤️ Family Story Behind Goulash Soup

For my family, goulash soup was more than food—it was a tradition. My mother would always serve it after we came inside from playing in the snow. Thick slices of Homemade German Bread 🍞 were placed on the table to soak up the broth, and no one left the kitchen hungry. Even today, the smell of paprika brings back memories of warmth, laughter, and togetherness.

🍽️ Serving Ideas for Traditional Goulash Soup

This German goulash soup pairs wonderfully with:

• Roasted Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl
• Thai Coconut Curry Mussels

For more about goulash variations, visit TasteAtlas’ guide to goulash.

✅ Tips for Cooking Authentic Goulash Soup

• Use sweet Hungarian paprika for the best flavor.
• Don’t rush—low, slow simmering makes beef tender.
• Add carrots, celery, or more potatoes for extra heartiness.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.

🏠 Enjoying This Traditional German Goulash Soup at Home

This Traditional German Goulash Soup is comfort in a bowl. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknights while still special enough for gatherings. Serve it to your family, and you’ll carry on a tradition of warmth and love that’s been shared in German kitchens for generations.