Main Course · Dinner · Eastern European ·

Rustic Hungarian Pörkölt with Paprika and Dumplings

Name: Rustic Hungarian Pörkölt with Paprika and Dumplings
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil; 2 large onions, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 2 green bell peppers, chopped; 1 cup beef broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 egg; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon flour; Pinch of salt

This traditional Hungarian dish, infused with vibrant paprika, delivers deep flavors and a comforting warmth, perfect for any meal.

4.1(326 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 29, 2026

Rustic Hungarian Pörkölt with Paprika and Dumplings — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h

Cook

3 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Pörkölt Stew

For the Dumplings

For the Sauce

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 727 kcal
Protein: 34.67 g
Carbs: 43.83 g
Fat: 45.5 g
Fiber: 4 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 4362 kcal
Protein: 208 g
Carbs: 263 g
Fat: 273 g
Fiber: 24 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes	2240	160	0	176	0
3 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil	360	0	0	40	0
2 large onions, finely chopped	88	2	20	0	4
3 cloves garlic, minced	13	1	3	0	0
3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika	54	3	11	1	6
2 tomatoes, chopped	44	2	10	0	2
2 green bell peppers, chopped	48	2	11	0	4
1 cup beef broth	15	2	1	1	0
Salt and pepper, to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 cups all-purpose flour	912	24	192	2	8
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 egg	68	6	1	5	0
1/2 cup water	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup sour cream	492	5	8	48	0
1 tablespoon flour	28	1	6	0	0
Pinch of salt	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Beef

1
Season the beef
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
Tip: Use beef with some marbling for a tender stew.
2
Brown the beef
Heat lard in a large pot and brown the beef in batches. Remove and set aside.

Preparing the Vegetables

1
Sauté onions and garlic
In the same pot, add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until golden.
2
Toast the paprika
Stir in paprika to toast slightly without burning.
Tip: Ensure paprika does not burn to maintain a rich flavor.

How to Make Rustic Hungarian Pörkölt with Paprika and Dumplings

Total time: 4 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Building the Stew
Return beef to the pot, add tomatoes, green peppers, and beef broth. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
2
Simmering
Cover and cook over low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally until meat is tender.
3
Dumpling Creation
Combine flour, salt, egg, and water to form a sticky dough.