Welcome to a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Hungary! If you're craving a dish that’s not only hearty and satisfying but also packed with vibrant flavors, look no further than Beef and Vegetable Paprikash. This comforting stew, featuring tender beef and colorful bell peppers, is enveloped in a rich, creamy paprika sauce that will have your family begging for seconds. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can create a meal that’s sure to impress. Ready to dive into this delightful recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the beef pieces to the hot pan, working in batches to avoid overcrowding, and brown meat on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove browned meat and set aside on a plate. In the same pan, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add sliced bell peppers, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Sprinkle paprika over the vegetables and stir quickly to prevent burning, releasing the spice's rich aroma.
- Return the browned beef to the pan, stirring to combine with vegetables and paprika.
- Add enough water or beef broth to barely cover the meat and vegetables, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until beef is tender and easily pulls apart.
- In the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in sour cream, creating a creamy, rich sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving hot, preferably over egg noodles or rice.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, opt for beef chuck or stew meat, which becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Browning the beef is crucial for developing deep flavors. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the meat to steam instead of sear.
- Fresh Paprika Matters: Use high-quality, fresh paprika for a more vibrant flavor. Hungarian sweet paprika is ideal for this dish, but feel free to experiment with smoked paprika for a different twist.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of sour cream or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
- Serve with Style: This dish pairs beautifully with egg noodles or rice, but don’t hesitate to try it with crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 100mg
