Hungarian Beef
A hearty Hungarian-inspired beef dish featuring tender strips of round steak simmered in a tangy, sweet, and smoky paprika sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut round steak into strips about 2 x 1/2-inches.
- Heat a heavy frying pan to very hot.
- Add meat and stir to begin browning.
- Add chopped onion and cook until beef is browned.
- Add minced garlic.
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add water, catsup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and dry mustard.
- Simmer until meat is tender, about 30 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water, then add to the meat mixture.
- Stir until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and pour over cooked noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the round steak in Worcestershire sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you're short on time, you can substitute the round steak with sirloin or flank steak. Adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar or substituting with honey. For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch mixed with water, but do so gradually to avoid clumping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hungarian Beef over egg noodles or rice for a hearty meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the dish beautifully. For a comforting touch, add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving, which pairs beautifully with the robust flavors. Enjoy with a glass of red wine to enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hungarian Beef contains roughly 798 calories, with 3g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 581mg per serving (25% 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 make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onions in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender.
What can I use instead of catsup?
If you don't have catsup on hand, you can substitute it with tomato sauce or even barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this may alter the sweetness and tanginess of the final dish, so adjust the brown sugar accordingly.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Hungarian Beef freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
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).