Hungarian Stuffed Peppers (Töltött Paprika)

Töltött paprika, meaning “stuffed peppers,” is a beloved Hungarian comfort food. Tender Hungarian peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat and rice, then gently cooked in a rich tomato sauce.

It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a traditional family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers

• 6–8 Hungarian wax peppers or mild yellow peppers
• 1 lb ground pork or a mixture of pork and beef
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf

Optional Thickener

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil