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–+ servings
Hungarian Beef Stew in the bowl

Hungarian Beef Stew (Marhapörkölt)

A rich, slow‑cooked Hungarian beef stew made with tender beef, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and plenty of sweet paprika. Thick, hearty, and deeply comforting — the true taste of Hungarian home cooking.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hungarian
Calories: 440
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1–1.5 inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil or lard
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-3 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1-2 tsp salt to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tomato, chopped (or 2 tbsp crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 Hungarian wax pepper or ½ bell pepper, sliced
  • ½-1 cup of water or beef broth, add more as needed
Optional
  • 2 hot peppers for a spicy version
  • 1-2 tbsp tomato paste for richer color
  • A splash of red wine for depth

Method
 

  1. 1. Sauté the onions
    Heat the oil or lard in a heavy pot. Add the chopped onions and cook slowly until soft and golden — this is the base of the flavor.
    2. Add the garlic and paprika
    Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the garlic and paprika.
    (This prevents the paprika from burning and turning bitter.)
    3. Add the beef
    Return the pot to the heat. Add the beef cubes and stir well so they’re coated in the paprika-onion mixture. Cook for 5–8 minutes until the meat begins to brown slightly.
    4. Add vegetables and seasonings
    Add the chopped tomato, sliced pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
    5. Add liquid
    Add enough water or broth to just cover the meat. Add the tomato paste and stir, covered.
    Stew is not soup – it should be thick and rich.
    6. Slow simmer
    Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
    Add small splashes of water only if needed.
    The stew is ready when the beef is tender, and the sauce is thick and glossy.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcal

Notes

 
This is a stew that clings to your spoon, a thick, hearty concoction that warms you from the inside out. It's the kind of dish that evokes memories of cozy kitchens and generations of family recipes. It's deeply comforting, a true taste of Hungarian home cooking.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with nokedli, or boiled potatoes.
• A side of pickles is traditional and cuts the richness beautifully.
• This stew tastes even better the next day.

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