Save to Pinterest 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 goulash on a chilly weeknight when we needed something filling but quick. My family loved how it felt both classic and cozy, and we keep coming back to this dish when we crave comfort.
Ingredients
- Protein: 500 g (1.1 lbs) beef stew meat or ground turkey
- Vegetables: 1 large onion, finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 green bell pepper, diced, 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Pantry: 250 g (8 oz) short pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini), 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil), 500 ml (2 cups) beef or chicken broth, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Optional: ½ tsp chili powder (for heat), Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef (or turkey) and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add the onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season:
- Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables.
- Simmer sauce:
- Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes (for turkey) or 25 minutes (for beef, until tender).
- Add pasta:
- Add the pasta. Stir well, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Save to Pinterest This recipe brings back memories of eating with my siblings on busy nights, everyone fighting for seconds before it was all gone. The simple ingredients make it a go-to favorite in our home.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta). May contain soy if using certain broths. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 420 Protein: 32 g Carbohydrates: 49 g Total Fat: 10 g
Save to Pinterest This goulash is a comforting meal that comes together fast and always disappears quickly at the table. Make it once, and it will likely become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey can be replaced with ground beef or pork depending on preference, keeping the texture similar.
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Short pasta such as elbow macaroni or rotini hold the sauce well and cook evenly in this preparation.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Adding chili powder adds heat, but it can be omitted for a milder flavor tailored to your taste.
- → Is this suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Yes, by using vegetable or olive oil and skipping cheese, the dish remains dairy-free.
- → What are good herbs to enhance the flavor?
Oregano, basil, and paprika combine for a classic aroma, while fresh parsley added at the end elevates freshness.