Bulgarian Beef Stew
A hearty Bulgarian beef stew with rich paprika flavor, tender meat, and savory spices, served over egg noodles for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 lb boneless beef chuck ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 4 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 10 garlic cloves minced ⓘ
- 8 bay leaves ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp paprika ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp grated lemon peel ⓘ
- 1 tsp dried savory ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp cayenne ⓘ
- 3 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1/3 cup wine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 12 oz egg noodles ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and bay leaves; sauté until onions are golden brown.
- Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper, then add to the pot.
- Add paprika, grated lemon peel, dried savory, and cayenne pepper; stir until the meat is coated with spices.
- Pour in beef broth and wine; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer the meat for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked meat to a bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix butter and flour until smooth to make a paste.
- Add this paste to the liquid in the pot and simmer until the liquid thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
- Return the cooked meat to the pot and keep on low heat.
- Cook the egg noodles separately and drain.
- Serve the stew over the cooked egg noodles.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in the wine and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have beef broth, chicken broth can be a suitable substitute. You can also use ground savory if fresh is unavailable. For an added kick, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bulgarian Beef Stew over egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs well to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup like Ramen Noodle Soup as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze portions of the stew for up to 3 months; just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bulgarian Beef Stew contains roughly 2071 calories, with 135g protein, 235g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (481% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (406% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2761mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Yes, while boneless beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its tenderness when cooked slow, you can also use brisket or round. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different cuts may require varying lengths of time to become tender.
What can I add to the stew for extra vegetables?
You can add carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to enhance the stew's nutritional value and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender but not mushy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the stew gluten-free, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when thickening the sauce. Additionally, ensure that the beef broth and wine you use are gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).