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 dish when looking for a simple way to satisfy my family's craving for hearty comfort food. The aroma always brings me back to childhood meals around the table.
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 oil over medium-high. Add beef (or turkey); brown all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Veggies:
- Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 3 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season:
- Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.
- Simmer:
- Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to simmer; cover, cook 15 minutes (turkey) or 25 minutes (beef) until tender.
- Cook Pasta:
- Add pasta. Stir, cover, cook 10 minutes until pasta soft and liquid absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Finish & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnish with parsley.
Save This goulash recipe quickly became one of our go-to family meals. Everyone loves gathering around for seconds on chilly evenings together.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat if made with regular pasta, and may contain soy depending on your broth. Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 49 g, Protein 32 g
Save Serve piping hot for the best comfort. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy every nostalgic bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute that cooks faster and offers a lighter flavor while still absorbing the spices well.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta like elbow macaroni or rotini is ideal as it holds the sauce well and cooks evenly during simmering.
- → How can I make it dairy-free?
Simply omit cheese additions and use vegetable oil instead of butter to keep the dish dairy-free.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, it reheats well and flavors meld nicely overnight. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → What spices give it authentic flavor?
Paprika, oregano, basil, and a touch of chili powder combine for a warm, traditional taste typical of Central European versions.