Toss beef with sweet paprika, hot paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and salt.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Brown the beef on all sides in two batches. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Add onion, garlic and flour to the pan the beef was cooked in; cook until aromatic, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Add bell pepper, beef broth, crushed tomato, caraway seed & brown sugar, if using to the slow cooker. Stir. Add bay leaf, cover and cook low 8 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours.
Serve with sour cream and a sprinkling of caraway seeds, if desired.
Notes
Any spices left in the bowl from the beef can/should be added to the slow cooker.
Vegetables like carrot & potato can be added to the stew & still be authentic.