![\"Easy](\"https:\/\/www.platingsandpairings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/turkey-goulash-PIN.png\")
<\/div>\n<\/p>\n This Turkey Goulash<\/strong> is the ultimate one-pot dish that\u2019s packed with tender ground turkey, hearty pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. It\u2019ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas to bring everyone to the table in just about 30 minutes from scratch.\u00a0<\/p>\n Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n If you love a classic comforting goulash with beef<\/a>, but are looking for something a little lighter, this turkey goulash is for you! The layers of flavors are incredible, plus that melty cheddar cheese topping is pure perfection. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread, and you\u2019ve got a meal that\u2019ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.<\/p>\n This turkey goulash delivers hearty comfort food with minimal fuss<\/strong>. The ground turkey keeps it lighter<\/strong> than traditional beef goulash<\/a>, while the crushed and diced tomatoes create a sauce that\u2019s rich and satisfying. It\u2019s budget-friendly<\/strong>, uses simple pantry ingredients, and is loved by adults and kids<\/strong> alike. Plus, the entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes<\/strong>, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Ground turkey<\/strong> \u2013 I love using lean ground turkey for this recipe because it stays moist and flavorful. Ground turkey is a great, lighter alternative to beef, but you could easily swap it with ground beef or ground chicken if you prefer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Elbow macaroni<\/strong> \u2013 Classic choice for goulash! The small pasta shapes catch all that delicious sauce in every bite. You can substitute with other small pasta like shells, rotini, or penne; just adjust cooking time according to the package directions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Olive oil<\/strong> \u2013 A good quality extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for saut\u00e9ing. It adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps the turkey brown beautifully. If you don\u2019t have olive oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil will work just fine.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Onion<\/strong> \u2013 Yellow or white onions work best here, providing a sweet, savory base flavor that builds the foundation of the sauce. Dice them evenly so they cook at the same rate. You could also use a sweet onion like Vidalia for a milder taste.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Red bell pepper<\/strong> \u2013 Adds a pop of color, sweetness, and subtle crunch. Red bell peppers are sweeter than green ones, but you could use any color you have on hand. Feel free to swap with diced zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for variety.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Chicken broth<\/strong> \u2013 Provides the liquid base for the sauce and adds a savory depth of flavor. I recommend using low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level. Beef broth works wonderfully as a substitute, giving the sauce a richer, more robust flavor. Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian option too.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Salt and pepper<\/strong> \u2013 To season and taste.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Garlic<\/strong> \u2013 Fresh garlic is a must! It provides that aromatic, pungent kick that infuses the entire dish. Mince it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the sauce.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Crushed tomatoes and petite diced tomatoes<\/strong> \u2013 This combo gives the sauce both a smooth, rich base and a chunky texture. The petite diced tomatoes add lovely pops of tomato flavor throughout. If you only have one or the other, use what you\u2019ve got!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Worcestershire sauce<\/strong> \u2013 This is the secret flavor booster! It adds savory, umami depth that makes the sauce taste like it\u2019s been simmering for hours. Don\u2019t skip it!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Cheddar cheese<\/strong> \u2013 Melty, sharp, and delicious! The cheese melts into the hot goulash, creating a creamy, cheesy finish. Try a sharp or medium cheddar for the best flavor, or experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even mozzarella.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce. (Don\u2019t rinse it! You want the starches to help the sauce cling to the pasta!).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n While the pasta cooks, heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add the ground turkey, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Stir in the onion, pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine and let those flavors bloom.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and undrained petite diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat. Let it cook for a minute or two so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce\u2019s flavor.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it\u2019s melted and creamy throughout. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ladle the goulash into bowls and top with extra cheese, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Season the pasta water well<\/strong>! Salting your pasta water generously (about 1-2 tablespoons of salt) is the only chance to season the pasta from the inside out. Don\u2019t skip this step!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Don\u2019t overcrowd the pan<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven<\/strong> for best results. You\u2019ll need room to hold all the ingredients and stir everything together comfortably.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes<\/strong> if you have time. Even 5-10 minutes of gentle simmering helps the flavors meld beautifully.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Customize the veggies<\/strong>! 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Make it ahead<\/strong>. This goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It\u2019s the ultimate make-ahead meal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n This turkey goulash is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to experiment with these simple swaps and additions:<\/p>\n Swap the meat:<\/strong> Use ground beef, ground pork, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Make it spicy:<\/strong> Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, some diced jalape\u00f1os, or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add more veggies<\/strong>: Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Use different pasta<\/strong>: Try shells, rotini, penne, or even egg noodles; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Swap the cheese:<\/strong> Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella gives a milder, stretchy texture.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add herbs:<\/strong> Fresh basil or parsley stirred in just before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Make it creamy:<\/strong> Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for an extra rich and creamy sauce.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This turkey goulash is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Store any leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as it sits!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n This hearty, comforting goulash pairs beautifully with these wine options:<\/p>\n A medium-bodied Zinfandel<\/strong> with its fruity, slightly jammy notes complements the savory tomato sauce and seasoned turkey perfectly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n An Italian Sangiovese<\/strong> brings out the Italian seasoning flavors and cuts through the richness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n For white wine lovers, a lightly oaked Chardonnay<\/strong> works surprisingly well, especially if you\u2019ve added extra cheese.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A Beaujolais<\/strong> or other light red is also a great match if you\u2019re looking for something less heavy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n If you loved this turkey goulash, I would appreciate it so much if you would leave a \u2b50\ufe0fstar review\u2b50\ufe0f! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram<\/a> using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.<\/p>\n For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Enter your email address to save this recipe for later. \u2b07\ufe0f<\/p>\n You\u2019re signing up to get (delicious!) emails from me. You can unsubscribe at any time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Overhead](\"https:\/\/www.platingsandpairings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/turkey-goulash-13-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nSave This Recipe!<\/h2>\n
Why you\u2019ll love this recipe<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.platingsandpairings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/sparkles-light.svg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nIngredient notes<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Ingredients](\"https:\/\/www.platingsandpairings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/turkey-goulash-ingredients-683x1024.png\")
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How to make it<\/h2>\n
![\"Turkey](\"https:\/\/www.platingsandpairings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/turkey-goulash-2-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nCook the pasta + brown the turkey<\/h3>\n
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![\"Tomatoes](\"https:\/\/www.platingsandpairings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/turkey-goulash-4-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nMake the sauce<\/h3>\n
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![\"Cheddar](\"https:\/\/www.platingsandpairings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/turkey-goulash-6-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nCombine and serve<\/h3>\n
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Tips and tricks<\/h2>\n
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![\"Ingredients](\"https:\/\/www.platingsandpairings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/turkey-goulash-1-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nVariations<\/h2>\n
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Serving suggestions<\/h2>\n
Storing<\/h2>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.platingsandpairings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/lifestyle-pics-45-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nErin\u2019s wine pairings for turkey goulash<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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More comfort food recipes\u00a0<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.platingsandpairings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/star-light.svg\")
<\/figure>\nDid you make this turkey goulash?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Save This Recipe!<\/h2>\n