Discover 8 rich and rustic German goulash soup recipes ready in under an hour. This curated roundup from trusted food blogs delivers hearty, paprika-spiced comfort with simple steps, perfect for cozy weeknights or chilly weekends
When the air turns crisp, nothing soothes like a steaming bowl of German goulash soup. Rich with beef, paprika, and vegetables, these soups warm body and soul. In this post, we’ve gathered eight German goulash soup recipes that cook in about an hour.
Each recipe is carefully chosen from top food blogs for flavor, speed, and ease. Whether you love classic beef, a lighter vegetable twist, or a mild kick of spice, you’ll find a perfect fit. Follow along to bring bold Central European comfort to your table—fast, hearty, and absolutely satisfying.
Contents
Why This Recipe?
German goulash soup is beloved for its deep flavor and everyday ease. Tender beef simmers with onions, paprika, and potatoes, creating a rich, filling meal in one pot. It’s budget-friendly, easy to scale for families or gatherings, and naturally loaded with protein and vegetables. Quick-cook methods make it weeknight-friendly while keeping the cozy taste of a slow-simmered classic.
8 Rich & Rustic German Goulash Soups in Under an Hour
1. Quick & Easy German Goulash Soup — Mindy’s Cooking Obsession
Flavor Summary: A warm, smoky, hearty soup with tender beef, rich paprika, carrots and potatoes. This quick version balances comfort with speed, giving deep flavor without the long simmer.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Cut beef, onion, carrots, and potatoes into chunks.
- Brown beef and sauté onion.
- Add garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, caraway, and marjoram.
- Pour in beef broth; simmer until beef is nearly tender (about 25-30 minutes). Add potatoes and carrots; simmer until tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve with crusty bread.
Time: ~50 minutes
Tags: Beef, Comfort Food, One-Pot, Family-Friendly
Recipe Credit: Mindy’s Cooking Obsession
Tip: Brown beef in small batches so pieces caramelize well for a deeper soup base.
Check full recipe: Authentic German Goulash Soup (quick & easy)
2. Traditional German Hearty Goulash Soup — Oma’s Gulaschsuppe (Quick-German-Recipes.com)
Flavor Summary: Robust and hearty with bell peppers, paprika, tomato juice, and potatoes. This version offers classic German goulash flavor and a satisfying texture.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Brown stewing beef in oil; remove and return later.
- Sauté diced onions and garlic.
- Stir in paprika, tomato juice, and beef broth; simmer about 40 minutes.
- Add cubed potatoes and bell peppers; cook until tender (about 15 more minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, or hot paprika and serve.
Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (trim to ~1 hour with smaller cuts and higher heat)
Tags: Traditional, Hearty, Vegetable-Rich, Family Dinner
Recipe Credit: Quick-German-Recipes (Oma’s Gulaschsuppe)
Tip: Use pre-cubed potatoes and bell peppers and maintain a steady simmer to shorten cooking time.
Check full recipe: Oma’s Traditional German Hearty Goulash Soup
3. German Goulash Soup — Savory Moments
Flavor Summary: Rich and warming with a strong paprika base, carrots and potatoes, mild acidity from red wine vinegar, and herbs like marjoram and caraway.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Brown beef with onion and carrot.
- Add garlic, tomato paste, sweet paprika and seasonings.
- Stir in red wine vinegar, broth, caraway, and marjoram; simmer about 45 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes; cook until tender (about 15 minutes).
- Adjust seasoning and garnish with sour cream if desired.
Time: ~1 hour
Tags: Hearty, Comfort Food, Wine Acidity, Classic German Style
Recipe Credit: Savory Moments
Tip: Let soup rest a few minutes off the heat before serving to deepen flavor.
Check full recipe: German Goulash Soup (Gulaschsuppe)
4. Gulaschsuppe aka German Goulash Soup — The Lemon Apron
Flavor Summary: A budget-friendly, no-frills version with bold paprika, beef, and vegetables. Ideal for maximum flavor with minimal prep.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sear beef chunks; set aside.
- Sauté onions and other veggies until soft.
- Add paprika, garlic, beef, and broth; bring to simmer.
- Add vegetables like peppers and potatoes mid-way; cook until tender.
- Adjust salt and pepper; serve with bread.
Time: ~1 hour
Tags: Budget-Friendly, Simple, Home-Style, Comfort Food
Recipe Credit: The Lemon Apron
Tip: Use beef with good marbling to get rich flavor even with a shorter cook time.
Check full recipe: Gulaschsuppe aka German Goulash Soup
5. Paprika Beef Goulash Soup (One-Pot Style) — Adapted from Mindy’s quick version
Flavor Summary: Emphasizes one-pot convenience with beef, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a paprika-rich broth for easy cleanup and satisfying flavor.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Heat oil and brown beef in a single pot.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot.
- Stir in sweet and smoked paprika, tomato paste, caraway, and marjoram.
- Add beef broth, potatoes, and carrots; simmer until tender (about 35-45 minutes).
- Adjust seasoning and garnish.
Time: ~50-60 minutes
Tags: One-Pot, Time-Saver, Family Dinner, Paprika Lover
Recipe Credit: Adapted from Mindy’s Cooking Obsession
Tip: Cut beef and potatoes into smaller cubes to speed cooking.
Check full recipe: Authentic German Goulash Soup (quick & easy)
6. German Goulash Soup with Sweet & Hot Paprika Mix — An Edible Mosaic
Flavor Summary: Bold paprika flavors—sweet for depth, hot for warmth—envelop beef and vegetables in a rich tomato-paprika broth.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sear beef and brown onion and garlic.
- Add sweet paprika, hot paprika or cayenne, thyme, marjoram, and caraway.
- Stir in tomato paste, stock, and Worcestershire or tamari.
- Simmer until beef is tender (about 1 hour).
- Taste and adjust heat; garnish as desired.
Time: ~1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes
Tags: Bold Flavor, Paprika Focus, Beef Soup, Adjustable Spice
Recipe Credit: An Edible Mosaic
Tip: Use a pressure cooker or tender beef cut to reduce cook time.
Check full recipe: Authentic Gulaschsuppe
7. German Goulash Soup Adapted for Weeknights — My Dinner
Flavor Summary: A family-friendly winter soup rich in smoky paprika and vegetables, with balanced texture and hearty warmth.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Brown stewing beef in a pot.
- Sauté onions and garlic.
- Add paprika, tomato paste, and beef broth; simmer to build flavor.
- Add potatoes and vegetables; cook until done.
- Serve hot with bread.
Time: ~1 hour
Tags: Weeknight Friendly, Hearty, Traditional, Comfort Soup
Recipe Credit: My Dinner
Tip: Keep the lid on tightly and cut beef small for faster simmering.
Check full recipe: Easy Gulaschsuppe
8. German Gulaschsuppe with Potatoes & Bell Peppers — Quick-German-Recipes.com
Flavor Summary: Sweet bell peppers and hearty potatoes create a colorful soup with rich beef and paprika flavors.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Brown beef and sauté onions.
- Add tomato juice, beef broth, and paprika; simmer about 40 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes and bell peppers; cook until tender (about 15 minutes).
- Adjust seasoning and serve.
- Optionally sprinkle with hot paprika.
Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (can be shortened to ~1 hour with quick prep and higher heat)
Tags: Vegetable Rich, Colorful, Classic, Hearty
Recipe Credit: Quick-German-Recipes (Oma’s Gulaschsuppe)
Tip: Pre-cut vegetables and cut beef into small cubes to reduce cooking time.
Check full recipe: Traditional German Hearty Goulash Soup
More Recipe Details
German goulash soup is all about deep, paprika-rich flavor with very little fuss.
Here are a few quick insights to help you get the best results:
- Key Ingredients: Beef cubes, onions, garlic, bell peppers, potatoes, tomato paste, and both sweet and smoked paprika.
- Flavor Boosters: A splash of red wine, a dash of vinegar, or a pinch of caraway seed deepens the taste.
- Faster Cooking: Use sirloin or lean stew beef cut small. Keep broth at a gentle boil and cover tightly.
- Make Ahead: Flavors only get better overnight. Cool, refrigerate, and reheat slowly.
- Serving Tips: Crusty bread, soft rolls, or a simple green salad turn these soups into a full meal.
History or Origin of the Dish
Goulash began as a Hungarian herdsmen’s stew, called gulyás, made with beef, onions, and paprika.
As it spread across Europe, Germany put its own twist on it, creating the beloved Gulaschsuppe.
Key milestones:
- 18th century: Hungarian cowherds seasoned beef with paprika over open fires.
- 19th century: Austrian and Bavarian kitchens adopted the dish.
- Modern Germany: Lighter broths and vegetables made it a warming, all-season soup.
Today, German goulash soup is a comfort classic enjoyed at Oktoberfest stands, Christmas markets, and cozy home kitchens.
Tools & Equipment Needed
Cooking these soups is simple. Most kitchens already have what’s needed:
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven for even heat.
- Sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board for safe chopping.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula to stir without scratching pots.
- Measuring cups and spoons to keep flavors balanced.
- Optional: Pressure cooker or Instant Pot for faster tenderizing.
FAQ Section
1. What beef cut works best?
Chuck or shoulder for flavor; sirloin if you need a shorter cooking time.
2. Is German goulash soup spicy?
It’s usually mild, but adding hot paprika or chili flakes gives gentle heat.
3. Can I make it in under 30 minutes?
A pressure cooker or pre-cooked beef can bring the time closer to 30 minutes, though flavor deepens with at least 45 minutes.
4. How do I thicken the broth?
Simmer uncovered near the end or stir in a teaspoon of flour mixed with cold water.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool fully, portion, and freeze for up to three months.
6. What sides go best?
Dark rye bread, crusty rolls, spaetzle, or even mashed potatoes.
7. How long can I store it in the fridge?
Up to four days in a sealed container.
8. Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap beef for hearty mushrooms or plant-based “beef” pieces and use vegetable broth.
Conclusion
German goulash soup is classic comfort in a bowl—paprika-kissed, filling, and easy to make on a busy day.
With these eight handpicked recipes you can bring a taste of Central Europe to your kitchen in about an hour.
Try one tonight and save another for a chilly weekend.