A hearty and flavorful German-style beef stew, perfect for a comforting meal.
Heat a stewpot over medium heat and add the bacon slices to render their fat.
Rendering the bacon fat adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
Remove the bacon and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Add the beef chunks to the pot and brown them on all sides.
Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Stir in the paprika and tomato paste, ensuring the beef is well coated.
This step enhances the flavor of the spices.
Pour in enough beef broth to cover the beef, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Simmering slowly allows the flavors to meld together.
Add the diced bell peppers and marjoram, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Adding the peppers towards the end keeps them slightly crisp.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Taste the stew before adding salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Serve the stew over hot, buttered spaetzle noodles.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color.