Beef Paprikash is a flavorful, hearty Hungarian dish that is perfect for cooler weather. Tender chunks of beef are simmered in a rich, spiced paprika sauce, creating a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. The addition of sour cream and fresh dill brings it all together, offering a comforting Eastern European experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich Flavor: The dish is infused with sweet Hungarian paprika, giving it a deep and authentic flavor.
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Hearty and Filling: A comforting stew-like dish perfect for colder months.
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Versatile Serving Options: Can be served over egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
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Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level with hot paprika if desired.
Ingredients
For the Beef Paprikash:
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2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
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2 tbsp olive oil (or oil of choice)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 large yellow onion, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
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1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
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2 cups beef broth
Toppings:
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Sour cream
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Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Sear the Beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and brown the meat in batches, then set it aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add Spices: Stir in the paprika, oregano, and caraway seeds (if using), and cook for another minute to release the spices’ flavors.
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Simmer: Return the beef to the pot, add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
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Serve: Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
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Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Variations
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Different Cuts of Beef: You can use pre-cubed stew meat if you prefer, though chuck roast adds great flavor and tenderness.
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Make it Spicy: Swap a tablespoon of sweet paprika for hot paprika, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
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Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms or tempeh instead of beef for a plant-based option.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast is recommended for its tenderness, but other cuts like stew meat can also work.
2. How do I know when the paprikash is done?
The beef should be tender and the sauce should be thickened, similar to a stew consistency.
3. What kind of paprika should I use?
For the best flavor, use Hungarian sweet paprika. You can substitute with regular paprika, but it won’t have the same depth.
4. Is this dish spicy?
It’s not overly spicy unless you add hot paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Beef Paprikash stores well and tastes even better the next day. It’s perfect for meal prep.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze Beef Paprikash for up to 2 months. Let it cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
7. What should I serve with Beef Paprikash?
It’s traditionally served with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option.
8. Can I substitute the flour with gluten-free options?
Yes, you can use cassava flour to make this dish gluten-free, or omit it for a Whole30-compliant version.
9. Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or peas for extra vegetables in this hearty dish.
10. How can I make this dish creamier?
Stir in a little sour cream at the end of cooking for extra richness.
Conclusion
Beef Paprikash is a deliciously comforting, flavorful meal that transports you to Eastern Europe. With its rich sauce, tender beef, and paprika-infused goodness, it’s perfect for cozy dinners and makes great leftovers. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, topped with sour cream and fresh herbs for a satisfying, hearty meal.
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Beef Paprikash: A Hearty Hungarian Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Beef Paprikash is a hearty Hungarian comfort dish that combines tender beef chunks with a rich, spiced paprika sauce. This flavorful, stew-like dish is perfect for colder weather and pairs wonderfully with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. The addition of sour cream and fresh dill enhances the experience, making it a delicious and comforting meal that will transport you to Eastern Europe.
Ingredients
For the Beef Paprikash:
2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil (or oil of choice)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
For Toppings:
Sour cream
Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Sear the Beef:
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown the meat in batches. Set the beef aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. -
Add the Spices:
Stir in the sweet paprika, oregano, and caraway seeds (if using). Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors. -
Simmer:
Return the beef to the pot, then add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it cook for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. -
Serve:
Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill or parsley for garnish.
Notes
Different Cuts of Beef: Chuck roast is ideal for its flavor and tenderness, but you can use stew meat as a substitute.
Make it Spicy: Use hot paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to add heat.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
Creamier Version: Stir in extra sour cream at the end of cooking for a richer texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Stew
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Hungarian
