Save A comforting, budget-friendly goulash featuring tender beef or turkey simmered with tomatoes, spices, and pasta. Perfect for an easy, nostalgic family meal.
This goulash reminds me of chilly evenings in my childhood kitchen, when my mother would prepare a big pot with whatever meat and fresh vegetables were on hand. I love sharing this with my family because everyone gets a warm, satisfying meal even during busy weeks.
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: 250 g (8 oz) elbow macaroni or rotini
- 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, heat oil over medium-high and brown the beef or turkey on all sides, about 5 & 7 minutes.
- Cook vegetables:
- Add onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Spice it up:
- Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything.
- Simmer:
- Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Simmer covered for 15 minutes (turkey) or 25 minutes (beef).
- Finish with pasta:
- Add pasta, cover, and cook 10 & 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Final seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Save My kids ask for seconds every time I make this, and it always brings back memories of sharing laughter around the dinner table after a long day.
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, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 49 g, Protein: 32 g
Save This goulash is pure comfort, sure to bring warmth and nostalgia to any weeknight meal. Make extra & leftovers taste even better the next day.
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I substitute turkey for beef in this dish?
Yes, turkey works well as a lean alternative to beef, offering a lighter taste while still absorbing the spices and sauce beautifully.
- → What type of pasta is best for this preparation?
Short pasta like elbow macaroni or rotini is ideal, as it holds the sauce well and cooks evenly within the simmering process.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely, simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety to maintain texture and flavor.
- → How do the spices enhance the dish?
Paprika, oregano, basil, and optional chili powder build a warm, layered flavor profile that complements the meat and tomatoes richly.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead and reheat?
Yes, it holds up well when reheated, as the flavors deepen overnight. Just add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.