Hungarian Meatballs in Rich Paprika Tomato Sauce

There are few dishes more comforting than a generous skillet of tender meatballs simmered in a rich, savory sauce. This Hungarian-inspired meatball recipe brings together juicy meatballs, sweet peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and plenty of paprika for a deeply flavorful meal that feels like classic home cooking.

Served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, noodles, or Hungarian-style dumplings, these meatballs are hearty enough for a family dinner while still being simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork or a mixture of pork and beef
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Paprika Tomato Sauce

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow or green pepper, sliced
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley