Save to Pinterest 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 evening when I needed a dish that pleased everyone and warmed us up. It quickly became our go-to for busy weeknights when only simple comfort food would do.
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 the Meat:
- 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.
- Add Seasonings:
- Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat.
- 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).
- Cook Pasta:
- Add pasta. Stir, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Save to Pinterest This recipe brings back memories of everyone gathered around the table, enjoying seconds, and asking for the last bit of goulash left in the pot.
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
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 49 g, Protein: 32 g (per serving)
Save to Pinterest The best part: leftovers taste even better the next day. Enjoy a bowl and savor the comfort.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes, ground beef works well and cooks faster while still delivering rich flavor.
- → What pasta types suit this dish best?
Short shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini hold sauce nicely and are traditional choices.
- → How can I add heat to this dish?
Incorporate chili powder or fresh chili peppers during cooking to increase spiciness.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Replace regular pasta with a gluten-free variety without changing the cooking method.
- → What herbs complement the flavors here?
Dried oregano, basil, and paprika create a warm, aromatic base that enhances the meat and tomato blend.