Name: Classic Turkey Goulash Recipe (Budget-Friendly & Delicious!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Lean Ground Turkey; 1 (14 ounce) can Stewed Tomatoes, diced (undrained); 1 cup Tomato Sauce; 1 (16 ounce) package Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle); ½ Onion, chopped; 3 Garlic Cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons White Sugar; ½ teaspoon Dried Basil; 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Jump to Recipe

Have you ever needed a quick, comforting meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but comes together in just 30 minutes? We’ve all been there—staring into the pantry on a busy weeknight, hoping for inspiration. What if I told you that a pound of ground turkey and a box of pasta could be transformed into a hearty, savory masterpiece that the whole family will love?

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Step 4: Combine and Serve

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Q3: What if I don’t have stewed tomatoes?
Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?

Classic Turkey Goulash Recipe (Budget-Friendly & Delicious!)

Description
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

This Turkey Goulash is a lighter, healthier twist on the classic American comfort food. Packed with lean protein, vibrant tomatoes, and aromatic Italian herbs, this one-pan wonder delivers all the rich, nostalgic flavor you crave without the heavy feeling. It’s the perfect budget-friendly dinner that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Get ready to add a new favorite to your weekly rotation!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Lean Ground Turkey	1 pound	A lighter alternative to beef
Stewed Tomatoes, diced	1 (14 ounce) can	Adds texture and sweetness
Tomato Sauce	1 cup	Provides a rich base
Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle)	1 (16 ounce) package	Or macaroni/shells
Onion, chopped	½	White or yellow onion works
Garlic Cloves, minced	3	Fresh garlic is best!
White Sugar	2 teaspoons	Balances the acidity of tomatoes
Dried Basil	½ teaspoon
Italian Seasoning	1 teaspoon

Timing

This meal comes together incredibly fast, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying turkey goulash.

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the turkey is browned and no longer pink, and the onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes).

Actionable Tip: If you want extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of salt and pepper while browning the meat. Drain any excess liquid if necessary, though lean turkey usually produces very little.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Add the can of stewed tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, sugar, dried basil, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes.

Actionable Tip: This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and the tomatoes to break down slightly, creating a rich, cohesive sauce. Don’t rush it!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite), usually about 8-10 minutes.

Actionable Tip: Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This “liquid gold” can be used to thin out your sauce later if it becomes too thick.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Drain the pasta well. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the turkey tomato sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the savory sauce. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the pasta to absorb some of the flavor. Serve hot!

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving (assuming 6 servings).

Calories: Approx. 350-400 kcal
Protein: 20-25 g
Carbohydrates: 55-60 g
Fat: 6-8 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5-2 g
Fiber: 3-4 g
Sugar: 6-8 g

Notable Benefit: Using lean ground turkey significantly reduces the saturated fat compared to traditional beef goulash, making this a heart-healthy option.

Healthier Alternatives

This dish is already a healthier spin on a classic, but here are a few more ways to boost the nutrition:

Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap the regular bow tie pasta for whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content and keep you full longer.
Add Veggies: Boost the nutrient density by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or spinach to the sauce along with the onions.
Reduce Sugar: You can reduce or omit the sugar if you prefer a more acidic sauce, or use a natural sweetener like a splash of maple syrup.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium tomato sauce and canned tomatoes to control the salt intake.

Serving Suggestions

This Turkey Goulash is a complete meal in a bowl, but pairs wonderfully with simple sides.

Garlic Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious tomato sauce.
Green Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Broccoli: A side of roasted broccoli or green beans adds color and crunch to the plate.
Cheese: Top individual bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese for an extra touch of comfort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the best goulash experience, avoid these common pitfalls:

Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta ruins the texture. Solution: Cook the pasta al dente—it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
Burning the Garlic: Burnt garlic tastes bitter. Solution: Add the garlic after the meat is browned and only cook for 1 minute before adding the liquids.
Watery Sauce: Not simmering long enough leaves the sauce thin. Solution: Let the sauce simmer for the full 20 minutes to thicken and concentrate the flavors.
Bland Flavor: Turkey is milder than beef. Solution: Be generous with the Italian seasoning and basil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

Storing Tips

This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep!

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.
Freeze: You can freeze the sauce (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. Freezing with the pasta is possible but may result in softer noodles upon reheating.

Conclusion

This Classic Turkey Goulash is proof that comfort food can be healthy, quick, and incredibly delicious. By swapping beef for turkey and loading up on savory herbs, you create a satisfying meal that nourishes the body and soul. It’s a versatile, family-friendly recipe that will save your busy weeknights time and time again.

Ready to try this healthy twist on a classic? Whip up a batch tonight and let us know what you think in the comments below! Did you add any extra veggies? We love hearing your creative variations. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy, healthy dinner ideas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute lean ground beef for the turkey. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.

Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the turkey, onions, and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the remaining sauce ingredients (except pasta). Cook on Low for 4-6 hours. Cook the pasta separately and stir it in just before serving.

Q3: What if I don’t have stewed tomatoes?

You can use a can of petite diced tomatoes or even crushed tomatoes. If using plain diced tomatoes, you might want to add a pinch more Italian seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta (brown rice or chickpea pasta works well) and ensure your canned tomato products are certified gluten-free.