Goulash with Beef Turkey

Featured in: Warm Family Meals

This hearty goulash combines tender beef or turkey with a blend of rich tomatoes, aromatic spices, and tender pasta. Cooked slowly to allow the flavors to meld, it offers a warm and satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners. The dish balances savory protein, sweet peppers, and fragrant herbs, creating a comforting and budget-friendly option. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness and serve hot for a nostalgic taste of Central European comfort.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:03:00 GMT
Steaming goulash with beef and tender pasta, a hearty and flavorful dish ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Steaming goulash with beef and tender pasta, a hearty and flavorful dish ready to enjoy. | mellowspice.com

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

My family asks for this goulash whenever we want something warming and simple that reminds us of childhood dinners. It's always such a hit that leftovers rarely last.

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: 0.5 tsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp (or to taste)
  • Chili powder (optional): 0.5 tsp
  • Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Brown the meat:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add beef or turkey. Cook, turning, until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add vegetables:
Add onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
Cook garlic:
Stir in garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Season:
Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Add liquids:
Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer. Cover. Cook 15 minutes for turkey, or 25 minutes for beef until tender.
Cook pasta:
Add pasta. Stir, cover, and cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is done and most liquid is absorbed.
Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with fresh parsley if desired.
A close-up of a bubbling pot of homemade goulash, loaded with beef and pasta. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a bubbling pot of homemade goulash, loaded with beef and pasta. | mellowspice.com

This was a favorite at our big birthday gatherings growing up—everyone would tuck into generous bowls, and my grandmother always let us choose which protein went into the pot.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (from pasta) and may contain soy (from broth). Always read ingredient labels to confirm allergen safety for your family.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 420, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 49 g, Protein: 32 g

Flavorful golden-brown beef goulash, served in a bowl, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Save to Pinterest
Flavorful golden-brown beef goulash, served in a bowl, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. | mellowspice.com

This goulash is wonderfully satisfying, delicious reheated, and sure to become a staple at your table.

Goulash with Beef Turkey

Comforting goulash with tender beef or turkey, tomatoes, spices, and pasta for a hearty family dish.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Warm Family Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Central European/American

Total Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details No Dairy

What You Need

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 tbsp tomato paste

Pantry

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

Optional

01 ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
02 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How To Make

Step 01

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

Step 02

Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Combine spices and tomato paste: Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat meat and vegetables.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Cook pasta: Add pasta to the pot, stir well, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 07

Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains wheat from pasta; may contain soy depending on broth; verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Proteins: 32 g