Save It A comforting, budget-friendly goulash featuring tender beef or turkey simmered with tomatoes, spices, and pasta. Perfect for an easy, nostalgic family meal.
I first made this goulash on a chilly evening when my family craved something warming but simple. The blend of tender meat, hearty vegetables, and comforting pasta turned out to be just the nostalgic meal we needed.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat or ground turkey: 500 g (1.1 lbs)
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g / 14 oz)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Short pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini): 250 g (8 oz)
- Vegetable oil or olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Beef or chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried basil: 1 tsp
- Ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp (or to taste)
- Chili powder (optional): ½ tsp, for heat
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add beef or turkey and brown on all sides, about 5 7 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season and Coat:
- Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat.
- Simmer:
- Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes for turkey or 25 minutes for beef.
- Add Pasta:
- Add pasta. Stir, cover, and cook for 10 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and most liquid absorbed.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Save It My kids always ask for seconds of this goulash, and it&s become one of our go-to weeknight family dinners when everyone wants something that feels homey and filling.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chef's knife, and cutting board make prep and cooking easy for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta) and may contain soy depending on broth. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains roughly 420 calories, 10 g total fat, 49 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein.
Save It Serve hot and don&t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. This goulash makes excellent leftovers, perfect for busy weeks!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute turkey with other proteins?
Yes, ground beef or pork can replace turkey or beef, adjusting cooking times accordingly for tenderness.
- → What pasta types work best in this dish?
Short pasta varieties like elbow macaroni or rotini are ideal as they hold sauce well and cook evenly.
- → How can I add extra richness to the dish?
Stirring in grated cheese before serving adds creamy richness and enhances flavors.
- → Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Yes, using gluten-free pasta substitutes will maintain the flavor while accommodating dietary needs.
- → What spices give the dish its characteristic flavor?
Paprika, oregano, basil, and a touch of black pepper provide the signature warm and aromatic profile.
- → How to adjust cooking times for turkey versus beef?
Turkey cooks faster with about 15 minutes simmering, while beef requires around 25 minutes for tenderness.