Hungarian Pörkölt 🇭🇺🍲

Pörkölt is a classic Hungarian stew made with tender meat, onions, paprika, and simple seasonings. Slow cooking creates a rich, flavorful sauce that makes this traditional dish perfect for a comforting family meal.

Pörkölt can be made with beef, pork, chicken, or other meats. This version uses beef for a hearty and traditional result.

🛒 Ingredients

• 700 g beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 150–200 ml water or beef stock
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 How to Make Hungarian Pörkölt

1. Cook the Onions

Heat the oil or lard in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions and cook slowly until soft and lightly golden.

2. Add the Paprika

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Hungarian paprika.

This helps prevent the paprika from burning and becoming bitter.

3. Add the Beef

Add the beef cubes and stir well so they are coated with the onion and paprika mixture.

Return the pot to medium heat and cook for several minutes.

4. Add the Vegetables

Add the garlic, tomato, green pepper, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper.

Stir everything together.

5. Slow Cook

Add a small amount of water or beef stock. Cover the pot and simmer gently for approximately 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Add a little more liquid when necessary, but avoid making the stew too watery. The finished Pörkölt should have a thick, rich sauce.

6. Check the Meat

Continue cooking until the beef is tender and easy to cut with a fork.

Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

🍽️ What to Serve With Pörkölt

Traditional Hungarian Pörkölt is delicious served with:

• Hungarian Nokedli
• Egg noodles
• Boiled potatoes
• Rice
• Fresh bread
• Pickles or fresh salad

💡 Helpful Tips

• Beef chuck works well because it becomes tender during slow cooking.
• Use good-quality Hungarian paprika for the best flavor.
• Keep the heat moderate when cooking the paprika.
• Add liquid gradually rather than all at once.
• Slow cooking gives the meat time to become tender and flavorful.

📌 Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1½–2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 5–6
Cuisine: Hungarian
Course: Main Dish

🇭🇺 A Classic Hungarian Favorite

Pörkölt is one of Hungary’s beloved traditional stews. Its simple combination of onions, paprika, and tender meat creates a deeply satisfying homemade meal that pairs beautifully with Hungarian Nokedli and other simple side dishes.