This flavorful Schnitzel dish features tender pork cutlets sautéed with onions and bell peppers and coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. It's a German specialty easily made in a skillet, bound to become a family favorite!

This German dish, mostly known as Zigeunerschnitzel (Gypsy Schnitzel), is now called Balkanschnitzel or Paprikaschnitzel.
In 2013, Hannover banned the original name from all municipal eateries after the Forum of Sinti and Roma filed a discrimination complaint, though the ethnically inappropriate term is still widely used.
This pork Schnitzel in roasted pepper sauce is still among the most popular schnitzels in Germany (and Hungary, where it allegedly originated), along with the Wiener schnitzel and the Jägerschnitzel.
What is a Schnitzel?
Schnitzel, which means "cutlet" in German, is traditionally made with thinly pounded veal, usually breaded and fried. Pork is easier to find and less expensive, so we used that in this version.
We omitted breading in this Paprikaschnitzel recipe for less carbs and mess, quickly pan-seared it, and simmered it in a flavorful bell pepper sauce. Paprika means "bell pepper" in German.
โค๏ธ Why we love this Paprikaschnitzel
One-pan meals are my go-to for busy weekdays - no one enjoys extra dishes! We’ve turned this traditionally oven-baked Schnitzel recipe into a simple skillet dinner, skipping the breading for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
I find breading tends to get soggy in the sauce, and nobody likes that.
๐ Ingredients and Notes
A few notes on the pork Schnitzel recipe ingredients:
- Meat - we used boneless pork cutlets, but veal or chicken are also often used.
- Bell peppers - any color you like. We used a red, yellow, and orange combo.
- Broth - vegetable or chicken.
- Heavy cream - you can use half and half.
- Herbs - oregano and thyme. Ideally, fresh thyme as it adds such a light and vibrant touch to the dish. However, dried oregano works just fine.
- Gouda cheese - for that gooey melted cheese layer on top. You can use mozzarella if you must.
๐ชHow to Make Pork Schnitzel in Pepper Sauce
The method is straightforward - because a good skillet dinner should be simple and easy, with the bonus of minimal cleanup!
Step 1 - Prep the Ingredients
Rinse and pat dry the cutlets, slice onions and peppers, mince the garlic, and grate the cheese.
๐กTop Tip
For a quick and easy dinner, use frozen bell pepper strips and onion slices, or prep the veggies in the morning and store them in the fridge.
Step 2 - Sear the Meat
Cook the meat on both sides over medium-high heat in a cast-iron or non-stick skillet until browned but not cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
Step 3 - Cook the Vegetables
Sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers with oregano and chili.
Step 4 - Make the Sauce
Deglaze the pan with broth and cream. Add diced tomatoes, thyme, and cutlets. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
Step 5 - Top with Cheese
Return the Schnitzel to the skillet and sprinkle with shredded Gouda cheese. Remove from the heat and cool for 10 minutes before serving.
๐ฉ๐ณ Expert Tips
- When cooking in a cast-iron skillet, it's always a good idea to heat the skillet first, then add oil and other ingredients. It performs best when heated and cooled gradually.
- Trim the fat from the pork cutlets to keep them from curling during searing.
- Once you put the meat in the skillet, don't fuss with it. It needs a few minutes to sear and lock in all that yummy flavor properly. Turn it only when it has a white border, about ยผ to ยฝ inch wide [see the first picture in the process photo]. You can also shake the pan; if the meat is no longer sticking, it's ready to be turned.
- Make sure your skillet has a fitting lid. The meat will cook faster.
- This dish can take the spiciness. If your family likes spicy foods, add more chili powder. If you don't like spicy food at all, use paprika.
๐ฝ How To Serve It
I like to serve it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for the ultimate comfort food.
It's worth having some crusty bread on the side to mop up the excess sauce at the end - even better if it's garlic bread!
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Veal and pork cutlets or boneless pork chops work well for this recipe. If you're using chicken breast fillets, ask your butcher to butterfly them if they're too big. The thinner the Schnitzel, the faster it cooks!
You can add mushrooms or any veggies you'd like. Although, it wouldn't be the same dish anymore. ๐
Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Even though the sauce contains heavy cream, it freezes well. Defrost overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
This pork cutlet and bell pepper recipe makes a great weeknight dinner because it can be prepped ahead of time.
More Pork Recipes You'll Love
๐งก LIKED THIS RECIPE? Leave a โญโญโญโญโญ rating and/or a review in the comments section. ๐ HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.
Pork Schnitzel in Creamy Paprika Sauce
EQUIPMENT
- cast iron skillet with a lid
- Chef's knife
Ingredients
- 4 thick pork schnitzel, cutlets or boneless pork chops
- 3 colorful bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced in half-moons
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons oil
- ยฝ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, or more to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ยฝ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 10 oz. diced tomatoes
- 4 oz. Gouda cheese, grated
- A few twigs of fresh thyme, optional
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add four schnitzel and sear them for about 5 minutes per side (see recipe tips). Remove the schnitzel to a plate and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the remaining two tablespoons of oil into the same skillet. Add sliced onion, three peppers cut into strips, two minced garlic cloves, ยฝ teaspoon oregano, and a teaspoon of chili powder or paprika. Sauté until the vegetables start to soften, about 8-10 minutes, stirring often.
- Deglaze the skillet with ยฝ cup of vegetable broth and one cup of cream. Stir in 10 oz. of diced tomatoes, a few twigs of fresh thyme if using, and seared cutlets; bring everything to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 30-45 minutes (depending on the schnitzel thickness). Sprinkle with 4 oz. shredded Gouda cheese and turn the heat off. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you wish.
Video
Notes
- When cooking in a cast-iron skillet, it's always a good idea to heat the skillet first, then add oil and other ingredients. It performs best when heated and cooled gradually.
- For a quick and easy dinner, use frozen bell pepper strips and onion slices, or prep the veggies in the morning and store them in the fridge.
- Trim the fat from the pork cutlets to keep them from curling during searing.
- Once you put the meat in the skillet, don't fuss with it. It needs a few minutes to sear and lock in all that yummy flavor properly. Turn it only when it has a white border, about ยผ to ยฝ inch wide [*see the first picture in the process photo]. You can also shake the pan; if the meat is no longer sticking, it's ready to be turned.
- Make sure your skillet has a fitting lid. The meat will cook faster.
- This dish can take the spiciness. Add more chili powder to your liking, or if you dislike spicy food, use paprika (not the smoky kind).
- For best results, read additional tips in the post above.
- Please remember that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly depending on the products used.
Brenda says
This is an amazing recipe. My two young men couldnโt get enough. I had to make some substitutions, but it was delicious. I have never left a comment on a recipe before, but this one is deserving of accolades. I paired this with German green beans, rice and German Apple fritters. It was a time intensive meal, but worth every minute. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Jas says
Wow, I'm so happy your family loved it! Thank you so much for giving it a try and for stopping in to leave such lovely feedback, Brenda! ๐
Kristin Dienst-Braun says
Making this tonight! My husband is excited to show his bosses the end result, but they are Romanian, so he will probably go with calling it Balkanschnitzel or Paprikaschnitzel. ๐
Jas says
Oh, yeah, definitely go with an alternate name. ๐ Hope you all enjoy it as much as we do! Keep me posted! Thanks for stopping in.
acraftymix says
Well there goes the diet. This looks and sound incredible Jas and not too difficult either. Plus it's gypsy food which makes my soul do a happy dance
Jas says
Haha, I'm glad you like it, my friend! Thanks!!!
2pots2cook says
OMG ! After this one I could start gypsy dance ! Absolutely beautiful !
Jas says
Hahaha! Thanks for the giggle, Davorka! Hugs
Kate says
This looks so yummy! Can't wait to try this ASAP, thanks for the recipe!
Jas says
Happy you like it, Kate! ๐
Julia says
What a delicious looking dinner! Your photos are beautiful, Jas!
Jas says
Aww, thank you so much, Julia! Means a lot. Hugs!
Demeter says
Wow, this sounds so flavorful! Thanks for giving us living in the States a chance to try it.
Jas says
You're welcome, Demeter! Thanks for stopping in. xx
Chris Collins says
This looks so delicious! Gouda is my fave cheese, so can't wait to try this ๐
Jas says
Thank you, Chris! I hope you'll give it a try ๐
Cookilicious says
Wow..world cuisine blows my mind away..love the flavors here
Jas says
Many thanks! Glad you enjoy it. ๐
The Anthony Kitchen says
This skillet gypsy schnitzel looks like the perfect comfort meal. I'm loving that it is prepared in one dish, perfect for busy days.
Jas says
One pan meals are the perfect solution for busy days. Thanks for stopping in!
Annissa says
What a quick and easy dinner recipe that looks deliciously mouthwatering! Yum!
Jas says
Thank you, Annissa!
Kim | Give it Some Thyme says
Love this saucy skillet recipe Jas! Using my cast iron skillet is one of my most favorite ways to cook. Love the German flare of this dish and all that flavor! Already pinned!
Jas says
I use mine 9 out of 10 times too. ๐ Hope your week is off to a great start, Kim!
Jamie says
This looks so tasty and filling! I need to make this for my dinner this week!
Jas says
I hope you do, Jamie! You won't regret it. ๐
Swapna says
Made this while away in the campervan and my gosh it was devine! The little hit of spice is so well balanced against the rich creamy sauce.. I added a few fried breadcrumbs on top to bring back some of the schnitzel crunch. Amazing recipe, very memorable, thank you!
Jas says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for giving it a try!
supergolden17@gmail.com says
I like your idea of adding a little spiciness to this dish too. It's a great recipe.
Jas says
Thanks! I like a little kick to my foods and dishes that you can easily adjust to your taste.
Chelsey says
Skillet dinners are the best for quick and easy weeknight dinners! Love this unique German version of a skillet meal. The sauce sounds delicious and Iโm always a fan of adding fresh thyme and Gouda!
Jas says
So pleased you like it, Chelsey! It is packed with great flavors. Have a super week! xx
Alexandra Shunk says
This skillet Gypsy schnitzel looks absolutely amazing!! My hubby loves โsoppingโ up anything and everything with bread so this dish is screaming his name! I know Iโd love it too because of how easy it is and jam packed with flavor! Thanks for another inspiring dish!
Jas says
My husband thinks this dish is "manly" [as opposed to what? โโ๏ธ] and he couldn't get enough of it. It'll be often on our dinner menu, that's for sure.