Save A comforting, budget-friendly goulash featuring tender beef or turkey simmered with tomatoes, spices, and pasta. Perfect for an easy, nostalgic family meal.
Growing up, goulash was a staple in our home: each bite brings back those bustling evenings around the kitchen table when everyone was eager for a warm, filling meal. Over the years, I've tweaked this recipe to suit both beef-lovers and those who prefer a lighter turkey version.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat or ground turkey: 500 g (1.1 lbs)
- Large onion: 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: ½ tsp (optional, 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:
- 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 The best moments are when everyone asks for seconds — even my picky nephew ends up licking his bowl clean!
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 10 g total fat, 49 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein
Variations and Notes
Add grated cheese for richness, swap ground beef or pork for variety, and use gluten-free pasta if required. A pinch of caraway seeds offers a more traditional flavor.
Save This hearty goulash will leave everyone full and happy: customize with your favorite protein or veggies for endless options.
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well with this dish, offering a lighter alternative while maintaining tenderness and flavor.
- → What pasta types work best here?
Short pastas like elbow macaroni or rotini hold the sauce nicely and cook evenly in the pot.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Adding chili powder increases heat, while reducing or omitting it keeps the dish mild and family-friendly.
- → Is this dish suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Yes, using vegetable or olive oil and skipping cheese keeps the meal dairy-free without sacrificing richness.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
This dish reheats well and flavors deepen over time, making it ideal for meal prepping or leftovers.