Hungarian Bogrács-Style Beef and Pork Stew

A paprika-rich beef and pork stew with potatoes, peppers and tomato.

Total 2 hr 35 minMakes 6 servings
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This stovetop bogrács-style stew combines beef and pork with onion, pepper, tomato, paprika and potatoes. Traditional bogrács is cooked outdoors in a kettle, while this version adapts the source ingredients for a covered stovetop pot. Brown the meat in batches, add potatoes near the end and simmer until both meats are tender. Use sweet paprika for warmth and add hot paprika to taste. Heat oil in a heavy pot. Brown beef and pork in batches; transfer to a plate. Add onions and carrots and cook 5 minutes. Add peppers and garlic and cook 2 minutes. Remove pot briefly from heat and stir in paprika and caraway to prevent scorching. Return meat and add tomatoes and wine if using.

Recipe card

Hungarian Bogrács-Style Beef and Pork Stew

Prep 25 minCook 2 hr 10 minTotal 2 hr 35 minYield 6 servings
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a sharp knife, and the pan or baking dish specified in the method

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Brown meat

    Heat oil in a heavy pot. Brown beef and pork in batches; transfer to a plate.

  2. Cook vegetables

    Add onions and carrots and cook 5 minutes. Add peppers and garlic and cook 2 minutes.

  3. Season base

    Remove pot briefly from heat and stir in paprika and caraway to prevent scorching. Return meat and add tomatoes and wine if using.

  4. Simmer

    Add stock and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer gently 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat is becoming tender.

  5. Add potatoes

    Stir in potatoes and simmer 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes and meat are tender.

  6. Finish

    Remove bay leaves, season to taste and garnish with parsley.

How to tell when it is ready

Remove bay leaves, season to taste and garnish with parsley.

Tips

  • Heat oil in a heavy pot.
  • Add onions and carrots and cook 5 minutes.
  • Remove pot briefly from heat and stir in paprika and caraway to prevent scorching.
  • Add stock and bay leaves.

Troubleshooting

  • If meat is still tough, continue simmering in 15-minute intervals.
  • If stew is too thin, simmer uncovered after the potatoes are tender.

Substitutions

  • Replace pork with extra beef.
  • Use stock in place of wine.

Variations

  • Add hot paprika to taste.
  • Use smoked paprika for a smoky note.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with crusty bread.
  • Offer pickled vegetables.
  • Add a spoon of sour cream.
  • Scatter parsley over each bowl.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and store safely. Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat gently until steaming.

Storage

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat gently until steaming.

Food safety

Cook pork and beef thoroughly and refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make bogrács stew ahead?

Yes. Cool and refrigerate, then reheat gently. The flavours deepen after a day.

How should I store hungarian bogrács-style beef and pork stew?

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat gently until steaming.

Serve with crusty bread. Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat gently until steaming.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

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