Absolutely! Here’s a classic Hungarian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (Húsgombóc Paradicsomszószban) — juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce 🍅🥩
🍅 Hungarian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Meatballs
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix beef & pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 slices white bread, soaked in milk and squeezed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tsp sweet Hungarian paprika
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tbsp oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme or marjoram (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup water or broth (if needed)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Meatballs
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, soaked bread, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into small balls (~1–1.5 inch).
2️⃣ Brown the Meatballs
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t have to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in paprika, then add crushed tomatoes, sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
4️⃣ Simmer the Meatballs
- Return meatballs to the sauce.
- Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
5️⃣ Serve
- Serve hot with egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Optional: sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
Tips for the Best Hungarian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
✔ Don’t overmix meat for tender meatballs
✔ Sweet Hungarian paprika gives authentic flavor
✔ Simmer gently — prevents meatballs from breaking apart
Variations
- 🌶️ Add a pinch of hot paprika or chili for heat
- 🥄 Creamy twist: stir in 2 tbsp sour cream at the end for a richer sauce
- 🍅 Veggie boost: add diced carrots or bell peppers to the sauce
If you want, I can make a shortcut version that’s ready in 30 minutes and still tastes like homemade Hungarian meatballs in tomato sauce 😋
Do you want me to do that?
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