Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Paprikash:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika (or smoked paprika for a twist)
- 1 tsp hot paprika (optional, for heat)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, for authentic flavor)
For Serving:
- 12 oz egg noodles (or mashed potatoes, rice, or spaetzle)
- 2 tbsp butter (for the noodles, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with the flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This helps the meat develop a nice crust during browning and thickens the sauce.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in batches, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded. Brown each side for about 2-3 minutes, then transfer the seared beef to a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the red and green bell peppers and cook for another 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Sprinkle the sweet paprika and hot paprika over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat evenly. This step toasts the spices, enhancing their flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and caraway seeds (if using). Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer the Beef
- Return the browned beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat the beef in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beef simmer gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it’s tender and flavorful. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add the Sour Cream
- Once the beef is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and velvety sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
- While the beef is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter for added richness, if desired.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the Beef Paprikash over the buttered noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g