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Beef Stew with Paprika and Caraway
This simple stew, our version of Austrian goulash, derives much of its bold flavor and rich color from sweet and hot paprika, so make sure the paprika you use is fresh and fragrant. For the deepest, earthiest flavor, we recommend seeking out true Hungarian paprika; we use a combination of sweet and hot to achieve just the right degree of spice. Serve with egg noodles, spätzle or mashed potatoes.
6
Servings
Tip
Don't forget to crush the caraway seeds so they release their full flavor into the cooking liquid. Use either a mortar and pestle or pulse them in an electric spice grinder. But don't pulverize the seeds to a powder; they should still have a good amount of texture.
FAST: 1½ hours
Slow: 7-8 hours
30 minutes active
Ingredients
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4
pounds boneless beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch chunks
-
6
tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika, divided
Directions
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01In a large bowl, toss the beef with 2 tablespoons sweet paprika until evenly coated. On a 6-quart Instant Pot, select More/High Sauté. Add the butter and let melt. Add the onion and 1 teaspoon salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the caraway and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons sweet paprika and the hot paprika, then cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the broth and tomato paste, scraping up any browned bits. Add the bay and beef; stir to combine, then distribute in an even layer.
Reviews
December 16, 2025
Good comfort food
With this cold weather, I wanted to try a beef stew, but something a little different on the flavor profile. if you don't like caraway seed (rye bread); this isn't for you. But we loved, cleaned our plates, and it will make great leftovers. Used my InstantPot, so start to finish was probably a little over 90 minutes including prep. Served it with egg noodles, and sour cream on the side. We will absolutely add this to the rotation. A nice change from my usual stroganoff go to.
Side note on the paprika: I really wasn't sure what paprika I had at home. . . I knew I had Penzey's Hungarian. . so I grabbed a container of Simply Organic paprika at the store for the "sweet paprika". . . and my Penzey's Hungarian paprika was more of the smoky/spicy profile. Worked well.
October 29, 2025
One of our favorites from Fast & Slow
I have made this recipe numerous times since Fast & Slow first came out. It's simple to make but a delicious, warming, comforting cold weather meal. I serve it on spaetzle, with green beans and/or Brussels sprouts as side dish(es). Good quality paprika is a must. Making it again today for my husband's birthday dinner, by request, which brought me to this page. I was surprised to only see one review so felt compelled to add another.
May 20, 2023
Will make again
Almost as good as my Hungarian goulash but this recipe is much easier.
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Incredible recipe and so easy. I didn’t have caraway seeds but still a wonderful dish