Hearty Beef or Turkey Goulash with Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This hearty goulash combines tender beef or turkey with a flavorful tomato sauce and tender pasta, making it a comforting one-pot meal. Easy to prepare and full of rich spices, it’s perfect for a family dinner any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1.1 lbs beef stew meat or ground turkey
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 oz short pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon chili powder for heat
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat or ground turkey and brown on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
5. Step 5: Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes if using turkey or 25 minutes if using beef, until the meat is tender.
6. Step 6: Add the pasta to the pot, stir well, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting ground turkey for a leaner option or use beef stew meat for more texture.
• For added depth, brown the meat in batches to avoid steaming it.
• Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the goulash has thickened. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this goulash?

Yes, short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or small shells work best because they cook evenly and hold the sauce well.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add extra beans or lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

Hearty Beef or Turkey Goulash with Pasta Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty Goulash with Beef or Turkey is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender meat, flavorful tomato-based sauce, and short pasta. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, it’s perfect for a family dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1.1 lbs beef stew meat or ground turkey

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tomato & Seasonings

• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)

Pasta & Liquids

• 8 oz short pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth

Oil

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil

---

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat or ground turkey and brown it on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes to develop rich flavor and color.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Cook them together with the meat until the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
4. Season and Combine: Mix in the tomato paste, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir thoroughly so the meat and vegetables are well coated with the spices and tomato paste.
5. Simmer with Liquids: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the beef or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes if using turkey or 25 minutes if using beef, until the meat is tender.
6. Cook Pasta in Sauce: Add the short pasta to the pot, stir well to combine, cover, and continue to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed into the sauce.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
• Choose short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini as they hold the sauce well.
• If you prefer more spice, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 37 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Keywords: Goulash, Beef Goulash, Turkey Goulash, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food, Tomato Pasta, Hearty Dinner