Description
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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 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)
- 1/2 Onion, chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons White Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- 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, until browned and onions are translucent (5-7 minutes).
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, dried basil, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the bow tie pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente (approx. 8-10 minutes). Drain well.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the turkey tomato sauce. Toss gently until evenly coated. Let sit for a minute to absorb flavors, then serve hot.
Notes
- Pasta Water: 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.
- Seasoning Tip: Add a pinch of salt and pepper while browning the meat for extra depth of flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: The 20-minute simmer allows the tomatoes to break down slightly and creates a rich, cohesive sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
