Pin It 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 Sunday to warm up the whole house. My family always requests it when they want a hearty and nostalgic dinner that comes together with minimal fuss.
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 Meat:
- In a large pot heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef (or turkey) and brown on all sides for about 5–7 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Fragrant Garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Season & Coat:
- Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables.
- Simmer:
- Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer, 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.
Pin It This dish is requested by my kids every month their favorite part is mixing in parsley and sneaking a taste when it's simmering. It turns everyday dinner into a mini celebration around the table.
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
Pin It Serve this goulash hot and garnish with parsley for the full comfort effect. It's even better as leftovers the next day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well, offering a lighter option while maintaining rich flavor when simmered with spices and tomatoes.
- → How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?
Cook the pasta covered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should be tender but firm, with most liquid absorbed.
- → What spices enhance the goulash’s flavor?
Paprika, oregano, basil, and black pepper create a depth of flavor characteristic of this dish.
- → Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit cheese toppings and use oil instead of butter for sautéing to keep it dairy-free.
- → Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Absolutely; substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
- → What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through to maintain texture and flavor.