Beef Pörkölt: Authentic Hungarian Beef Stew Recipe

Beef Pörkölt is a cornerstone of traditional Hungarian cuisine, celebrated for its rich paprika flavor and melt-in-your-mouth beef. Unlike Hungarian Goulash, which has a broth-like consistency, Pörkölt is a thick, slow-cooked stew with a rich sauce made from onions, paprika, and tender beef.

This comforting one-pot meal has been served in Hungarian homes for centuries and is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anyone looking to experience authentic Hungarian cooking.

What Is Beef Pörkölt?

Beef Pörkölt is a traditional Hungarian stew prepared by slowly simmering beef with onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and generous amounts of Hungarian sweet paprika. As the stew cooks, the onions break down naturally to create a thick, flavorful sauce without the need for flour or cream.

The result is a hearty dish with deep, savory flavors that pair perfectly with traditional Hungarian side dishes such as Nokedli (egg dumplings) or boiled potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Hungarian recipe
• Rich, paprika-infused sauce
• Tender, slow-cooked beef
• Simple ingredients
• Easy one-pot meal
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika (optional)
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 to 1½ cups beef broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish