Goulash with Beef or Turkey

Featured in: Comfort Food

This comforting dish combines tender beef or turkey with tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant herbs simmered to perfection. Short pasta absorbs savory broth and spices, creating a hearty and satisfying meal ideal for weeknights or family gatherings. The balance of paprika, oregano, and basil enriches the taste while fresh parsley adds brightness. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, this dish delivers nostalgia and warmth in every bite, perfect for a wholesome, dairy-free option depending on oil choice.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:46:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of goulash with beef and tender pasta, ready to warm your kitchen. Save
Steaming bowl of goulash with beef and tender pasta, ready to warm your kitchen. | berrycottage.com

A comforting budget-friendly goulash featuring tender beef or turkey simmered with tomatoes spices and pasta Perfect for an easy nostalgic family meal

This is one of those recipes I loved as a child The aroma of simmering meat and spices always brings me back to cozy family dinners after busy days

Ingredients

  • Beef stew meat or ground turkey: 500 g (1.1 lbs)
  • 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
  • Pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini): 250 g (8 oz)
  • Vegetable oil or olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Broth (beef or chicken): 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)
  • Chili powder (optional): ½ tsp
  • Fresh parsley (optional): chopped for garnish

Instructions

Brown the Meat:
In a large pot heat oil over medium-high Add beef or turkey and brown on all sides about 5 minutes
Add Vegetables:
Add onion and bell pepper sauté for 3 minutes until softened
Stir in Garlic:
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
Add Spices and Tomato Paste:
Stir in tomato paste paprika oregano basil salt and pepper to coat meat and vegetables
Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour in diced tomatoes and broth Bring to a simmer then cover and cook for 15 minutes if using turkey or 25 minutes for beef
Add Pasta:
Stir in pasta cover and cook for 10 minutes until pasta is done and most liquid absorbed
Finish and Serve:
Taste adjust seasoning and serve hot topped with fresh parsley
Hearty goulash with beef, a comforting meal brimming with rich tomato flavor and herbs. Save
Hearty goulash with beef, a comforting meal brimming with rich tomato flavor and herbs. | berrycottage.com

This goulash has become a favorite Sunday dinner for my family It is simple enough that kids can help and hearty enough to satisfy everyone

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven wooden spoon chefs knife and cutting board make preparation easy

Allergen Information

Contains wheat from pasta and may contain soy if using certain broths Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

Each serving offers about 420 calories with 10 g total fat 49 g carbohydrates and 32 g protein

Close-up of a rustic goulash recipe, featuring pasta, beef, and vibrant vegetable chunks. Save
Close-up of a rustic goulash recipe, featuring pasta, beef, and vibrant vegetable chunks. | berrycottage.com

The warmth of goulash makes every meal a sentimental treat and leftovers taste even better the next day

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute ground turkey with beef?

Yes, ground beef can be swapped for turkey, adjusting cooking time slightly as beef may need longer to become tender.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like elbow macaroni or rotini holds sauce well and cooks evenly in this dish.

How can I add extra richness?

Adding grated cheese before serving enhances creaminess and depth of flavor.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use gluten-free pasta varieties to adapt the dish perfectly for gluten-free preferences.

What herbs complement the flavors?

Oregano, basil, and paprika deliver classic warmth and aroma, while fresh parsley adds brightness when garnished.

Goulash with Beef or Turkey

Hearty, budget-friendly goulash with tender beef or turkey simmered alongside tomatoes, spices, and pasta.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage Central European/American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations No dairy

Components

Protein

01 1.1 lbs beef stew meat or ground turkey

Vegetables

01 1 large onion, finely chopped
02 2 garlic cloves, minced
03 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
05 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Pantry

01 8 oz short pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
02 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
03 2 cups beef or chicken broth
04 1 teaspoon paprika
05 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 1 teaspoon dried basil
07 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
08 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

Optional

01 ½ teaspoon chili powder for heat
02 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Direction 01

Brown the Meat: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef or turkey and brown on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes.

Direction 02

Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

Direction 03

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Direction 04

Season and Combine: Incorporate tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper; stir thoroughly to coat meat and vegetables.

Direction 05

Simmer with Liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes if using turkey or 25 minutes if using beef, until meat is tender.

Direction 06

Cook Pasta in Sauce: Add pasta, stir well, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Direction 07

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat from pasta. May contain soy depending on broth brand. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Proteins: 32 g