Hungarian Stuffed Peppers (Töltött Paprika)

Töltött paprika is a classic comfort dish made with sweet peppers filled with seasoned meat and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Peppers:

  • 6–8 large bell peppers (yellow or green are traditional)

Filling:

  • 1 lb ground pork (or mixed pork & beef)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

Tomato sauce:

  • 1 large can crushed tomatoes (or fresh blended tomatoes)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1–2 cups water or broth (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Wash peppers, cut off tops, and remove seeds carefully.
  2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
  3. Stuff peppers gently with the filling (don’t overpack or rice will expand).
  4. Place stuffed peppers upright in a large pot.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and water or broth.
  6. Pour sauce over peppers until mostly covered.
  7. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 60–90 minutes, until peppers are soft and filling is fully cooked.

Serving