Hungarian Stuffed Peppers, known as Töltött Paprika, are a comforting classic of Hungarian home cooking. Sweet Hungarian peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, rice, onion, egg, and paprika, then gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender.

The result is a hearty, flavorful meal with tender peppers, juicy meat filling, and a slightly sweet tomato sauce. Traditionally served with boiled potatoes and a generous spoonful of sour cream, Töltött Paprika is perfect for a family lunch or comforting dinner.

What Is Hungarian Töltött Paprika?

Töltött Paprika literally means “stuffed peppers” in Hungarian.

Unlike many stuffed-pepper recipes that use bell peppers, the Hungarian version traditionally uses sweet Hungarian wax peppers or similar mild peppers. The peppers are filled with a mixture of ground pork and rice, then cooked directly in a paprika-infused tomato sauce.

The tomato sauce is often lightly thickened and balanced with a little sugar, giving the dish its characteristic sweet-savory Hungarian flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🇭🇺 Traditional Hungarian comfort food
• 🌶️ Tender sweet peppers
• 🥩 Savory ground pork filling
• 🍚 Hearty rice
• 🍅 Rich tomato sauce
• 🌶️ Fragrant Hungarian paprika
• 🥔 Delicious with boiled potatoes
• 🥛 Excellent with sour cream
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect family dinner

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers

• 8–10 medium sweet Hungarian wax peppers or mild peppers
• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
• 1/2 cup (100 g) uncooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram, optional

For the Tomato Sauce

• 28 oz (800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups (480 ml) tomato passata or tomato juice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste
• 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or lard
• 1/2 cup water or broth, if needed

For Serving

• Boiled potatoes
• Sour cream
• Fresh parsley
• Crusty bread