Turkey Goulash

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings: people

Calories: 581kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

This Turkey Goulash is the ultimate one-pot dish that’s packed with tender ground turkey, hearty pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. It’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas to bring everyone to the table in just about 30 minutes from scratch.

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Equipment

Ingredients

½ pound elbow macaroni ½ package
1 ½ pounds ground turkey
1 Tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
1/2 medium onion chopped
1 red bell pepper chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth or beef broth
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes undrained
1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

Bring a pot of water to boil for pasta. When it comes to a boil, add ½ pound elbow macaroni and salt to season the cooking water. Cook pasta for about 8 minutes, or until al dente.
While water comes to a boil and pasta cooks, heat a large, deep skillet over medium high heat. Add 1 Tablespoons olive oil. Once hot, add 1 ½ pounds ground turkey and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Break up meat and crumble until browned, 4-5minutes.
Add 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 medium onion (diced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning, 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to the turkey. Cook for 5 minutes, then add 1 cup chicken broth, 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes and 1 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes to the pan. Bring to a bubble and reduce heat to low. Add cooked pasta and stir. Let pasta absorb some sauce, a minute or so.
Stir in the 1 cup cheddar cheese and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Enjoy!

Notes

Storing

Store any leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as it sits!
To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
To freeze, let the goulash cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips and Tricks

Season the pasta water well! Salting your pasta water generously (about 1-2 tablespoons of salt) is the only chance to season the pasta from the inside out. Don't skip this step!
Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the turkey. If your pan seems too full, the meat will steam instead of brown. Give it space to get that nice caramelized color.
Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven for best results. You'll need room to hold all the ingredients and stir everything together comfortably.
Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes if you have time. Even 5-10 minutes of gentle simmering helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Customize the veggies! This is a great way to use up produce. Add mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots; just dice them small and cook them along with the onions and peppers.
Make it ahead. This goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It's the ultimate make-ahead meal.

Variations

Make it in the slow cooker: Follow this recipe (swapping turkey for ground beef) to make this goulash in your crockpot.
Swap the meat: Use ground beef, ground pork, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, some diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick.
Add more veggies: Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Use different pasta: Try shells, rotini, penne, or even egg noodles; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Swap the cheese: Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella gives a milder, stretchy texture.
Add herbs: Fresh basil or parsley stirred in just before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for an extra rich and creamy sauce.

Nutrition