Hungarian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

Hungarian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 500 g ground pork or mixed pork and beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500 ml tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2-3 Hungarian wax peppers (or banana peppers), sliced

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into meatballs.
2. Heat the oil in a large pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, cook the sliced onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and paprika, then add the tomato passata, broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the sliced peppers and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Return the meatballs to the pan, cover, and cook over low heat for 30–40 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce is thick.
7. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh bread.