Hungarian beef and paprika stew

Hungarian beef and paprika stew

Main dishes

A traditional Hungarian beef stew, slowly cooked with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and sweet paprika. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes the n…

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Pörkölt is the national stew of Hungary. It requires time and patience, but the preparation itself is relatively simple.

Ingredients and directions

  • Prep time20 min
  • Cook time3 hr
  • Total3 hr 20 min
  • DifficultyMedium
  • CostBudget
  • Cooking methodMijotage
  • Estimated cost$11.17 $2.79 / serving Estimated price; varies by store. Converted from euros at the ECB rate of October 14, 2026.

Ingredients

4 people
  • $9.14
  • $0.41
  • $0.80
  • $0.17
  • $0.18
  • $0.30
  • $0.17

Prices from US supermarkets for 4 of 7 ingredients; Belgian prices for the rest.

Directions

  1. Cut the meat into small pieces, then finely chop the onions and garlic. ≈ 8 min
  2. Melt the fat in a pan, then add the onions.
  3. Once the onions are golden, add the meat, garlic, pepper, salt, and cumin. Brown over high heat, then simmer for a few minutes.
  4. Remove the casserole dish from the heat, let it sit for a few minutes, then add the mild paprika to prevent it from burning. Mix well, let it simmer for a few minutes, then return to a low heat.
  5. Add the pieces of tomato and bell pepper. ≈ 3 min
  6. Pour: Pour gently cover the meat with water, then let it simmer uncovered.
  7. Add a little water as soon as the meat starts to cook. ≈ 3 min
  8. Let it simmer for a long time, at least 3 hours.
  9. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add the hot paprika or chili pepper towards the end of cooking, but always off the heat. ≈ 3 min
  10. Check the meat periodically to ensure it is cooked properly. ≈ 2 min
  11. Don’t add too much water at the end of cooking, to keep the sauce thick. ≈ 3 min
  12. When the meat is tender, the dish is ready. ≈ 3 min
  13. You can turn off the heat, cover the dish, and serve it the next day: the meat will actually be better. ≈ 2 min

The bill

Hungarian beef and paprika stew

  • 500 g of beef chuck$9.14
  • 2 onions$0.41
  • 1/2 Hungarian or Moroccan bell pepper$0.80
  • Half a tomato$0.17
  • 2 cloves of garlic$0.18
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons of mild paprika$0.30
  • oil or fat for cooking$0.17

Total$11.17

that's $2.79 per person

Estimated price; varies by store.

Before you start

Ingredients

  • 500 g of beef chuck
  • 2 onions
  • 1/2 Hungarian or Moroccan bell pepper
  • Half a tomato
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons of mild paprika
  • A pinch of cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon of grey pepper
  • 1 pinch of hot paprika or chili pepper, optional
  • salt, to taste
  • oil or fat for cooking

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