Beef Pörkölt: Authentic Hungarian Beef Stew

Beef Pörkölt is one of Hungary’s most traditional and beloved comfort foods. This rich and hearty beef stew is slowly simmered with onions, sweet Hungarian paprika, garlic, and tomatoes to create a deeply flavorful dish. Unlike Hungarian Goulash, which has a broth-like consistency, Pörkölt is a thicker stew with a rich sauce that coats every piece of tender beef.

A staple of Hungarian family dinners and festive gatherings, Beef Pörkölt is best served with traditional Hungarian egg dumplings (Nokedli), boiled potatoes, or fresh crusty bread.

What Is Beef Pörkölt?

Pörkölt is a traditional Hungarian stew made by slowly cooking beef with onions and Hungarian sweet paprika until the meat becomes tender and the sauce thickens naturally. The dish relies on simple ingredients and slow cooking to develop its rich, savory flavor.

Although beef is the most popular choice, Pörkölt can also be prepared with pork, chicken, lamb, or venison.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Hungarian family recipe
• Rich, paprika-infused sauce
• Tender, slow-cooked beef
• Easy one-pot meal
• Perfect for meal prep
• Delicious with traditional Hungarian side dishes

Ingredients

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