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–+ servings
Beef Paprikash
Beef Paprikash is a comforting Hungarian-inspired dish made with tender beef, paprika, and sour cream, served over hot noodles. This recipe reflects a mid-20th-century American home adaptation, likely made with frozen meat and pantry-friendly ingredients. With its savory, creamy sauce infused with paprika and a touch of wine, it offers rich, hearty flavor perfect for weeknight dinners or cool-weather meals. This version uses dried sour cream and crushed bay leaf, showcasing post-war pantry efficiency.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Fusion
Servings 4
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 2½ cups frozen beef
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¾ cup dry red wine ( or dry white wine)
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ tsp dried savory (crushed)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 3-4 cups noodles (hot, cooked)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook Meat & Base

  • In a skillet, combine frozen beef, ¼ cup water, and ¾ cup dry red or white wine.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes or until meat is mostly thawed and tender.

Step 2: Add Seasoning

  • Stir in paprika, bay leaf, crushed savory, and salt.
  • Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Sour Cream

  • Stir in dried sour cream and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 4: Finish Sauce

  • Combine 1 tbsp flour with a small amount of water to form a slurry.
  • Stir into beef mixture and cook, stirring until thickened and bubbling—about 1 minute longer.
  • Remove bay leaf.

Step 5: Serve

  • Spoon hot mixture over freshly cooked noodles and serve immediately.

Tips

  • Use Hungarian sweet paprika for the most authentic flavor
  • Substitute chuck roast if stew meat is unavailable
  • Add a pinch of caraway seeds for a traditional Eastern European note
  • For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes
  • Stir sour cream in off the heat to prevent curdling
  • Serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes
  • Leftovers improve in flavor the next day
  • Can be made ahead and gently reheated
  • Add mushrooms for extra depth and texture

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 32gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 820IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 4.5mg
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, hearty, old fashioned, one pot meal, paprika, sour cream sauce, vintage recipe
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