The Most Famous Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew

The Most Famous Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew – A Hearty and Flavorful Delight!

Hungarian cuisine is renowned for its rich, hearty flavors, and one dish that perfectly embodies this tradition is Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew. This delicious stew, often called Marhapörkölt, is packed with tender beef, aromatic spices, and the deep, smoky sweetness of Hungarian paprika. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

If you’re looking to bring a taste of Hungary to your kitchen, this authentic recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Rich and Flavorful – The combination of sweet Hungarian paprika, caraway seeds, and bacon creates a deep, smoky taste.

✔️ Tender Beef – Slow cooking ensures the beef becomes incredibly soft and juicy.

✔️ Simple Ingredients – Uses basic ingredients that blend together for an authentic Hungarian taste.

Ingredients You'll Need

4 slices thick-cut bacon

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large tomato, diced

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

½ tsp caraway seeds

1 bay leaf

Salt and black pepper (to taste)

1 ½ pounds (700 g) stewing beef, cut into ½-inch pieces

1 ½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

4 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic, caraway seeds, and bay leaf, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Beef

Season the beef with 1 ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Add it to the pot and sear on all sides until browned. This locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.

Step 4: Stir in the Paprika

Remove the pot from heat and stir in 4 tablespoons of sweet Hungarian paprika. This prevents the paprika from burning and ensures it retains its rich, sweet flavor.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Return the pot to low heat and add the chopped tomato, bell pepper, and the cooked bacon. Stir everything together.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in just enough water to cover the ingredients. Cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become tender, and the flavors should meld beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaf and serve hot! Traditional pairings include buttered egg noodles (nokedli), mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.

Pro Tips for the Best Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew

✔️ Use Quality Paprika – Hungarian sweet paprika gives the stew its signature color and depth of flavor. Don’t substitute with regular paprika!

✔️ Slow Cooking is Key – Letting the stew simmer for longer makes the beef incredibly tender.

✔️ Add a Splash of Red Wine – For an extra layer of richness, deglaze the pot with red wine before adding water.

Final Thoughts

Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew is a true comfort food classic. With its deep, smoky flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or trying something new, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Hungary.

Try it today and let us know how it turned out!

Would you like more traditional Hungarian recipes? Let us know in the comments!