Hearty Harvest Goulash Soup

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Get ready to dive into a bowl of comfort with this Hearty Harvest Goulash Soup. Packed with tender beef and vibrant vegetables, it's the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day. This soup is a celebration of earthy flavors and a great way to use up those fall root veggies.

Ingredients for Hearty Harvest Goulash Soup

Beef chuck is the star of this dish, providing rich flavor and tender texture when cooked slowly. Olive oil is used to brown the meat, helping to lock in its juices. Onion and garlic are the aromatic base, adding depth to the soup. Carrots and parsnips bring sweetness and earthiness, while bell pepper adds a hint of freshness. Tomato paste and diced tomatoes form the tangy, robust base of the soup. Beef broth is the liquid gold that ties everything together. Sweet paprika and caraway seeds infuse the soup with warmth and spice, and bay leaves add subtle herbal notes. Finally, sour cream and fresh parsley are perfect finishing touches for serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • For best results, use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
  • Don’t rush the browning step; it's key to building deep flavors in the soup.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A dash more paprika can add an extra kick.
  • If you have time, let the soup sit for a few hours or overnight — it only gets better!

Serving Suggestions

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up all those delicious flavors. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the soup. For an extra cozy meal, serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a warm rice pilaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use beef stew meat or short ribs for a similar result.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the other vegetables.
Is there a vegetarian version?
You can substitute the beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative.

Hearty Harvest Goulash Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef cubes. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it seals in the meat's flavors.

Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and soft, which will take another 3 minutes or so. The aroma at this point is heavenly, a promising start to your soup.

Now, stir in the sliced carrots, parsnips, and chopped bell pepper. Cook them for about 5 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld with the meat and onions.

Add the tomato paste to the pot, stirring well to ensure it's evenly distributed. This will give your soup a rich, tangy base.

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with the beef broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot — they add extra flavor.

Now it's time to season. Add the sweet paprika, caraway seeds, bay leaves, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 90 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the beef to become tender.

Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of freshness and color.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for chilly evenings, offering a warm, comforting embrace.
  • Rich in flavor with a delightful mix of spices and tender beef.
  • Uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Great for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.
  • A wonderful way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your diet.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 parsnips, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
8 cups beef broth
1 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tsp caraway seeds
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup sour cream for serving
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in carrots, parsnips, and bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Mix in tomato paste until well combined.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
6. Add paprika, caraway seeds, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 90 minutes until the beef is tender.
8. Remove bay leaves, then serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

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