Popikosh(Beef Paprika)
Popikosh is a hearty beef paprika stew with rich tomato and Worcestershire flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with a savory, slightly spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 2 pounds beef chuck or round, cut in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Add beef, diced onion, and minced garlic.
- Cook and stir until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.
- Stir in catsup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, paprika, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, and 1 1/2 cups water.
- Cover and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, adding more water as needed.
- In a small bowl, blend flour with 1/4 cup water to make a slurry.
- Stir the flour mixture into the meat and sauce.
- Cook and stir for 1 minute until thickened.
- Serve over noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef in Worcestershire sauce and paprika for a few hours before cooking. If you run out of catsup, a mix of tomato paste and a bit of sugar can work as a substitute. To adjust the heat, increase or decrease the cayenne pepper according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish over egg noodles or rice for a comforting meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can balance the richness of the beef. For an extra touch, pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a perfect accompaniment to this beef recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This will help maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Popikosh(Beef Paprika) contains roughly 1212 calories, with 74g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (147% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (142% of the Daily Value), and iron (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2019mg per serving (88% 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 recipe?
Yes, while beef chuck or round is preferred for its tenderness after long cooking, you can substitute with brisket or even flank steak. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some cuts may require less time to become tender.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar can be a good alternative. This will provide a similar umami flavor that enhances the dish. You can also use balsamic vinegar for a different twist.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully, similar to how it's done in Pepper Steak(Slow Cooker).
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).