Save 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 weeknight, and it reminded me of the simple meals I enjoyed growing up. Since then, it's become a go-to comfort dish in my kitchen.
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 (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 for heat): ½ tsp
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish): chopped
Instructions
- Brown Protein:
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add beef or turkey and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add onion and bell pepper; continue cooking for 3 minutes until softened.
- Cook Garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings:
- Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook 15 minutes for turkey or 25 for beef until tender.
- Cook Pasta:
- Add pasta, stir, cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with optional fresh parsley.
Save Making this goulash together after school became a little tradition, with everyone helping to chop and stir. We'd sit around the table laughing and enjoying a bowlful on busy evenings.
Notes
For extra richness, add grated cheese before serving. Substitute ground beef or pork if desired. A pinch of caraway seeds gives a more traditional flavor.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Fat 10g, Carbohydrates 49g, Protein 32g.
Save This hearty goulash is perfect for cold nights and busy families. Customize heat or protein to suit your taste, and enjoy warm memories with every bite.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes, ground beef works well and can shorten cooking time while maintaining rich flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely, substitute the short pasta with gluten-free varieties to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → How can I add more heat to the dish?
Incorporate chili powder or fresh diced chili peppers during the spice step to increase spiciness.
- → What is the best way to thicken the sauce?
Allowing the pasta to cook uncovered toward the end lets it absorb liquid and naturally thickens the sauce.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight. Reheat gently and stir before serving.