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 brings back memories of chilly evenings when my family would gather around the table for hearty comfort food. I love how adaptable it is: beef for a classic flavor, turkey for something lighter, and you can tweak the veggies to suit what's in the fridge.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat or ground turkey: 500 g (1.1 lbs)
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, 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
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown Protein:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 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 & Stir:
- Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat 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 pasta. Stir well, cover, and cook for 10 & 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Save On busy weekends, everyone takes turns stirring the pot and sneaking tastes. There&s always laughter, and we end up with big bowls of goulash that remind us of home no matter where we are.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chef&s knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat from the pasta and may contain soy depending on your choice of broth. Always check ingredient labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 420. Total fat: 10 g. Carbohydrates: 49 g. Protein: 32 g.
Save This goulash is pure comfort and so easy to adapt. Serve it hot, and watch everyone ask for seconds!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and cooks faster, making the dish lighter but still flavorful.
- → What pasta types are best for this dish?
Short pasta such as elbow macaroni or rotini holds the sauce nicely and cooks evenly within the simmering time.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta varieties to maintain texture while avoiding gluten.
- → Can I add more heat to this dish?
Yes, include chili powder or fresh chili to add a mild to moderate spicy kick.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor the best?
Paprika, oregano, and basil create a balanced, aromatic profile that complements the meat and vegetables.