| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2.5 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 18g | 6g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 5g | 25g | 1g |
I treasure a dish that can be a hearty meal on a blustery day and a cuddle-in-a-bowl on a rainy evening. This is why my Paprika Beef Stew, a fruit-based recipe exuding warmth, comfort and hearty flavours, bags a top-notch spot in my culinary repertoire. Its harmonious orchestra of beef, sweet and smoked paprika, vegetables, and diced tomatoes paints a gastronomic artwork that is a delight to taste and behold.
A Taste of Comfort and Nostalgia
Something remarkably special about this Paprika Beef Stew is that it not only brings comfort to the palate but also to the heart. It brings me back to the good old days, stirring a flavourful mix in my Irish grandparents’ humble kitchen or enjoying mom’s Sunday spread with a Bostonian twist. This recipe, however, is not merely a memoir of my past, but a dish I enjoy cooking now for my adorable son and my darling fiancé Laura, both of who enjoy savouring every spoonful as much as I enjoy preparing it.
Similar Dishes and Perfect Pairings
This stew is reminiscent of Hungarian Goulash—a delightful medley of meat, veggies, and spices. However, its paprika-infused warmth separated by the sweet interlude of diced tomatoes makes it distinctly unique. This stew pairs perfectly with a crusty bread roll, which complements the saucy texture, or over a bed of steamed rice for a more filling meal.
Health Benefits: It’s More Than Just a Hearty Feast
Apart from being a culinary delight, the Paprika Beef Stew boasts an array of health benefits. The blend of vegetables—bell peppers, onions, carrots, tomatoes—brings along vitamins and fiber. Beef, a high-quality protein source, contributes to muscle growth and repair. The double dose of paprika not only endows a delightful kick but also contains capsaicin which exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lastly, using olive oil instead of regular vegetable oil can increase the heart-healthy aspects of this meal.
While this recipe brings the assurance of a warm, comforting meal, remember that the real beauty of it lies in sharing it. Whether it’s a casual dinner on a weeknight or a special family gathering, my Paprika Beef Stew never fails to cater to appetites, lift spirits, and create memorable moments around your dining table.
Check out more similar hearty and nutritious recipes here.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 28 ounces of diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
- 1/4 cup of water (for thickening, optional)
Method
Step One
Season the beef cubes with the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Give it a good mix ensuring that the meat is well coated with the spices. Set aside for a few minutes to marinate.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the marinated beef to the pot and brown on all sides, this should take only a few minutes. Once browned, remove the beef cubes from the pot and set aside.
Step Three
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced green and red bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Step Four
Return the browned beef back to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add the can of diced tomatoes and the beef broth, stir everything together.
Step Five
Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir well ensuring that everything is combined. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
Step Six
If you prefer your stew thicker, mix the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of water until smooth in a separate bowl. Gradually stir this mixture into the stew, let it simmer for another 10 minutes or until the stew has thickened to your liking.
Enjoy your Paprika Beef Stew hot! This dish pairs wonderfully with a serving of bread or over rice.
