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 grew up eating this warming goulash made by my grandmother and it's still the go-to dinner dish whenever my family craves something filling and homey. Whether you use beef or turkey, everyone always asks for seconds.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat or ground turkey: 500 g (1.1 lbs), use either according to preference
- 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)
- Optional - Chili powder: ½ tsp (for heat)
- Optional - Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the protein:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef or turkey and brown on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season:
- Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
- Simmer:
- Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes (turkey) or 25 minutes (beef).
- Cook pasta:
- Add pasta to the pot. Stir, cover, and cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Finish:
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot and garnish with parsley if desired.
Save We love bringing this hearty goulash to family gatherings. It always sparks stories of childhood and everyone grabs a bowl right away.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board
Notes
For extra richness, stir in grated cheese before serving or substitute ground pork for the protein. Add a pinch of caraway seeds for a more traditional twist.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 49 g, Protein 32 g
Save This goulash is simple yet satisfying. Enjoy with extra cracked black pepper or fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
Cooking Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and cooks faster, lending a lighter flavor while maintaining the dish's heartiness.
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini hold sauce nicely and cook evenly during simmering.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Add chili powder gradually to achieve desired heat without overpowering the natural flavors.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, by using oil instead of butter and skipping cheese toppings, this dish remains dairy-free.
- → Can this be prepared in advance?
Absolutely, flavors deepen when reheated, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prepping.
- → What can I use to enhance the traditional flavor?
Adding a pinch of caraway seeds provides an authentic Central European touch to the dish.