Smoked Paprika Garlic Beef

Featured in: Daily Cravings

This dish features tender beef slowly simmered with smoky paprika, minced garlic, and an assortment of vegetables including carrots, celery, and potatoes. The combination creates a rich, comforting blend of flavors, enhanced by ground cumin, thyme, and a hint of tomato paste. Perfect for cozy meals, it requires a gentle simmer to ensure beef tenderness and a harmonious balance of spices. Serve with crusty bread or rice for a hearty experience.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:08:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Smoked Paprika & Garlic Beef Stew, with hearty chunks of beef and vegetables. Save
A steaming bowl of Smoked Paprika & Garlic Beef Stew, with hearty chunks of beef and vegetables. | cravebop.com

A hearty, robust stew featuring tender beef simmered with smoked paprika, garlic, and vegetables&perfect for comforting meals on a budget.

This stew quickly became a family favorite due to its rich flavors and ease of preparation.

Ingredients

  • Beef chuck: 800 g (1.75 lb) cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes
  • Onions: 2 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Carrots: 2 large, peeled and sliced
  • Celery: 2 stalks, sliced
  • Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and cut into chunks
  • Red bell pepper: 1, chopped
  • Canned diced tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
  • Smoked paprika: 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Dried thyme: 1 tsp
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Beef broth: 750 ml (3 cups)
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2:
Lower heat to medium. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 4:
Add carrots, celery, potatoes, and bell pepper. Mix well.
Step 5:
Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Step 6:
Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
Step 7:
Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is very tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Step 8:
Discard bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
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We love sharing this stew with family on chilly evenings, creating warm memories with every bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or over cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens; always check store-bought broth and tomato products for hidden allergens or gluten.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 450 Calories, 18 g Total Fat, 34 g Carbohydrates, 38 g Protein.

Tender beef and vegetables: a close-up of the rich Smoked Paprika & Garlic Beef Stew simmering. Save
Tender beef and vegetables: a close-up of the rich Smoked Paprika & Garlic Beef Stew simmering. | cravebop.com

This stew is even better the next day when flavors meld together perfectly.

Recipe Guide

What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Beef chuck is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, but brisket or stewing beef can be used as alternatives.

Can I add wine to enhance the flavor?

Yes, adding a splash of red wine along with the broth deepens the stew's flavor profile beautifully.

How long should the stew simmer for optimal tenderness?

Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

What vegetables complement the smoky paprika flavor?

Carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and red bell pepper blend well, adding texture and sweetness that balance the smoky notes.

Are there any recommended serving suggestions?

This hearty stew pairs well with crusty bread or served over rice, garnished with fresh parsley for brightness.

How can seasoning be adjusted?

After cooking, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the stew’s flavor.

Smoked Paprika Garlic Beef

Tender beef simmered slowly with smoked paprika, garlic, and a mix of fresh vegetables.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
120 min
Complete duration
140 min
Created by Lindsey Carter


Skill level Medium

Heritage European

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition labels No dairy

What you'll need

Meats

01 1.75 lb beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes

Vegetables

01 2 medium onions, finely chopped
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
04 2 stalks celery, sliced
05 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
06 1 red bell pepper, chopped
07 14 oz canned diced tomatoes

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp smoked paprika
02 1 tsp ground cumin
03 1 tsp dried thyme
04 1 bay leaf
05 1 tsp salt
06 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Liquids

01 3 cups beef broth
02 2 tbsp tomato paste
03 2 tbsp olive oil

Method

Phase 01

Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches and brown all sides. Remove and set aside.

Phase 02

Sauté onions and garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Cook onions for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Phase 03

Incorporate spices: Add smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute to release flavors.

Phase 04

Add vegetables: Add carrots, celery, potatoes, and red bell pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Phase 05

Combine beef and seasonings: Return browned beef to pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Phase 06

Simmer with broth: Pour in beef broth and stir. Bring to a simmer.

Phase 07

Cook until tender: Cover and gently simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

Phase 08

Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

Tools needed

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains no major allergens but check broth and tomato products for hidden allergens or gluten.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 450
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 38 g