There is no easy answer to where paprika comes from. While paprika is closely associated with Hungary and Hungarian cuisine, paprika peppers did not arrive in that part of the world until the mid to late 16th century. The origin of all peppers can be traced to South America, where they grew wild and were distributed throughout South and Central America, mostly by birds. Eventually, peppers were cultivated, and native traders travelling through these regions carried them across the Caribbean as cargo in dugout canoes.  

So the question of what is a good paprika substitute comes down to what dish you're preparing and how much paprika that dish calls for. 

It remains a staple in Spain, where it is known as pimentón and is a crucial ingredient in paella, and in Hungary, where numerous medium-to-hot varieties of paprika are used in traditional recipes including goulash, paprikash, and stuffed cabbage.

Amazing drizzled-over air fryer corn ribs or grab a big bowl for dipping gluten-free wontons or crispy rice sushi.

Tomato sauce sports a nice bright red color and a sweet taste that mimics that of the sweet paprika. However, these qualities alone without the spice are not enough as a swap. Mixing it with chili powder will add the heat that tomato sauce lacks. There’s a catch, however. Since this backup is wet, it’s only good for recipes like stews and soups.