Hungarian goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day. The rich aroma of paprika mingles with tender meat and hearty vegetables, creating a dish that feels like home. If you’re ready to explore this comforting classic, let’s check out some mouthwatering variations that are sure to impress your taste buds!
Classic Hungarian Goulash
This is the goulash that started it all! With its robust flavor profile from sweet paprika, tender chunks of beef, and a variety of vegetables like carrots and potatoes, this dish embodies the heart of Hungarian cuisine. What sets this recipe apart is the slow-cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty stew.
Vegetarian Goulash
Even without meat, this vegetarian version delivers on flavor! Packed with colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and lentils, it’s a vibrant and healthy alternative. The secret ingredient here is the smoked paprika, which adds a delightful depth, making it a favorite among veggie lovers and meat-eaters alike.
Spicy Goulash with Chorizo

Goulash (Hungarian beef stew) from RecipeTin Eats
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 2 h 35 min Total Time: 2 h 35 min.

The Hungarian Goulash I Crave All Winter Long from Simply Recipes
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 1 h 50 min Total Time: 1 h 50 min.
If you’re craving a little kick, this spicy goulash featuring chorizo is just what you need! The chorizo sausage adds a smoky, spicy flavor that elevates the dish to another level. Combined with traditional ingredients like potatoes and onions, this recipe gives you the warm comfort of goulash with an exciting twist.
Slow Cooker Goulash
Life can get busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip a delicious home-cooked meal! This slow cooker goulash is perfect for those hectic days. Just toss in your ingredients, set it, and let it simmer all day. You’ll come home to a savory aroma and a dish that’s ready to warm you up after a long day.
Goulash Soup

Goulash Soup from Southern Bite
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Gold tomato sauce, elbow macaroni, beef broth, cheddar cheese, gold tomato paste Total Time: 35 min.

Goulash (Hungarian beef stew) from RecipeTin Eats
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Lb beef chuck, potatoes, peppers, caraway seeds, carrots Total Time: 2 hr 35 min.

Gulaschsuppe, aka German Goulash Soup from The Lemon Apron
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Sour cream, red wine, tomato paste, lb beef sirloin, caraway seeds Total Time: 1 hr 45 min.
For those days when you want something lighter yet still satisfying, goulash soup is the way to go! This recipe takes all the classic goulash flavors and transforms them into a comforting bowl of soup. Perfectly spiced and filled with tender beef and veggies, it’s a delightful option that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Beef and Mushroom Goulash

Beef and Mushroom Goulash from Serving Dumplings
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Beef chuck, brown sugar, beef broth, mushrooms, tomato paste Total Time: 1 hr 50 min.

Diced Steak and Mushroom Goulash from Unilever Food Solutions
Ingredients: Gluten free, gluten free 1, sour cream, steak, mushrooms

Beef and mushroom goulash from CheckYourFood
Ingredients: Stewing steak, wine vinegar, olive oil, chestnut mushrooms, beef stock Total Time: 1 hr 50 min.
This version combines the richness of beef with the earthy flavors of mushrooms for a truly indulgent dish. The mushrooms soak up the hearty broth, creating a luscious texture that pairs beautifully with the meat. This recipe is particularly popular during the colder months, as it brings a sense of warmth and comfort to any table.