Mary Berry Goulash Soup Recipe

Mary Berry’s Goulash Soup is a hearty, warming dish inspired by traditional Hungarian flavours. Packed with tender beef, sweet paprika, potatoes, and vegetables, it strikes the perfect balance between a stew and a soup. This dish is ideal for cold evenings, family dinners, or when you need a filling bowl of comfort food that’s simple to prepare but rich in flavour.

What is Mary Berry Goulash Soup?

Goulash Soup is a Hungarian-inspired dish made with chunks of beef slowly cooked with onions, paprika, tomatoes, and vegetables until tender. Unlike a stew, this version has more liquid, making it light enough to serve as a soup but still hearty and satisfying. Mary Berry’s take on this classic is approachable, using everyday ingredients while retaining the authentic paprika-led flavour.

Try Other Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Milk Chocolate Cake
• Mary Berry Chocolate Orange Cake
• Mary Berry Lemon Traybake
• Mary Berry Dairy-Free Chocolate Cake
• Mary Berry Vegetable Soup

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Hearty and warming – Perfect for chilly days.
• Full of flavour – Sweet paprika and slow cooking bring depth.
• Flexible – Works as a soup starter or a main dish.
• Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day.
• One-pot dish – Easy to prepare with minimal washing up.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Goulash Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 500g stewing beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, for authenticity)
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 400g chopped tomatoes (tinned)
• 1.2 litres beef stock
• 2 red peppers, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large casserole dish or stockpot
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Ladle for serving
• Hand blender (optional, if you prefer a smoother texture)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Goulash Soup

Step 1: Brown the beef

Heat oil in a large pot and brown the beef in batches until sealed and lightly coloured. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook onions and garlic

In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Cook gently for 5–6 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add paprika and tomato purée

Stir in paprika and tomato purée, cooking for 1–2 minutes to release their flavours.

Step 4: Add stock and tomatoes

Return beef to the pot, pour in chopped tomatoes and beef stock, then add bay leaf and caraway seeds. Stir well.

Step 5: Add vegetables

Add peppers, carrots, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer until tender

Cover and cook gently for 1½–2 hours, or until beef is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.

Step 7: Serve hot

Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and ladle into bowls. Garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Added paprika too late – Lost flavour. Cooking it briefly with onions made it richer.
• Didn’t brown beef enough – Soup lacked depth. Proper searing improved flavour.
• Overcooked potatoes – They turned mushy. Adding them later kept the texture firm.

Healthier Ways to Make Mary Berry Goulash Soup

• Use lean beef cuts to reduce fat.
• Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes for extra fibre.
• Add leafy greens like spinach before serving.
• Reduce oil by sautéing vegetables in a non-stick pan.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Goulash Soup

• Beef → Chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
• Sweet paprika → Smoked paprika for a deeper flavour.
• Caraway seeds → Fennel seeds for a milder taste.
• Potatoes → Rice or pasta for variation.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Goulash Soup

• Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping.
• Noodles or pasta – A hearty side.
• Green salad – Lightens the meal.
• Steamed dumplings – Traditional Hungarian pairing.
• Pickled vegetables – Add tang to balance richness.

Expert Tips for Goulash Soup Success

• Brown meat in batches – Prevents steaming and boosts flavour.
• Cook paprika gently – Avoids bitterness.
• Simmer slowly – Tenderises beef and builds flavour.
• Add potatoes later – Keeps them from disintegrating.
• Taste before serving – Adjust seasoning to balance.
• Rest before serving – Flavours improve if left for a few hours.

Creative Ways to Customize Goulash Soup

• Add a swirl of sour cream for creaminess.
• Stir in chilli flakes for heat.
• Add beans or lentils for extra protein.
• Top with cheese shavings for indulgence.
• Use game meat like venison for a rustic twist.

Storing Goulash Soup the Right Way

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Flavours improve when reheated the next day.

How to Reheat Goulash Soup

• Stovetop method – Simmer gently until piping hot.
• Microwave method – Heat in short bursts, stirring between.
• From frozen – Defrost overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fibre: 5g
• Sodium: 680mg

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FAQs

What is the secret to a good goulash soup?

The secret to a good goulash soup is slowly simmering beef with onions and sweet paprika until tender. Browning the meat first adds depth, and cooking paprika gently prevents bitterness.

When should you add potatoes to goulash soup?

Potatoes should be added halfway through cooking. This ensures they cook until tender without breaking down and making the soup mushy.

Can you make goulash soup ahead of time?

Yes, goulash soup tastes even better when made ahead. The flavours develop overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for family meals or entertaining.

What cut of beef is best for goulash soup?

Stewing beef, such as chuck or shin, is best for goulash soup. These cuts become tender and flavourful when cooked slowly over low heat.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry’s Goulash Soup is the ultimate comfort dish – hearty, warming, and packed with flavour. With tender beef, vegetables, and paprika-rich broth, it’s the perfect recipe to make ahead for cosy family meals or entertaining guests. Simple to prepare yet full of depth, it’s a soup that never disappoints.