Kerch Bridge Smoked Paprika Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew infused with smoked paprika and robust spices, inspired by the strategic and resilient spirit of the Kerch Bridge region. This mediterranean-inspired beef (mediterranean) ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, large, finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds carrots
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (canned)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.
- Step 2: Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp smoked paprika and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to release their aromas.
- Step 4: Return the beef to the pot along with 2 sliced medium carrots, 4 cups beef broth, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kerch Bridge Smoked Paprika Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Kerch Bridge Smoked Paprika Beef Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, finely chopped onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kerch Bridge Smoked Paprika Beef Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Kerch Bridge Smoked Paprika Beef Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Kerch Bridge Smoked Paprika Beef Stew?
Mediterranean beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
