This easy ground turkey goulash recipe is a hearty one-pot dinner made with lean ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, broth, elbow macaroni, paprika, and Italian seasoning. The pasta cooks directly in the tomato broth, so you can have a filling family meal on the table in about 40–45 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Every bite is savory, tomato-rich, and comforting, with tender macaroni, browned turkey, sweet onion, and mild pepper woven through the sauce. A little cheddar on top adds creamy richness, but this American-style goulash is satisfying served straight from the pot, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
This turkey goulash has the cozy appeal of a classic comfort-food casserole, but it comes together in one deep skillet. Browning the turkey with onion and green pepper creates a flavorful base, while the tomato paste adds savory depth to the sauce.
The pasta cooks in the tomato-and-broth mixture instead of a separate pot. That approach saves time, reduces dishes, and allows the macaroni to release just enough starch to thicken the sauce naturally.
It is also an easy recipe to adapt at the table. Serve it with cheddar for a creamy finish, or keep it plain for a lighter bowl with plenty of tomato flavor and tender vegetables.
If you enjoy comforting turkey dishes, you may also like this creamy turkey tetrazzini for another satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is simple, familiar, and easy to find. Each item has a useful role in building a thick, savory sauce around the macaroni.
- Ground turkey: Choose 93% lean turkey for a tender texture and better flavor than extremely lean varieties.
- Aromatics: Yellow onion, green bell pepper, and garlic add sweetness, freshness, and a gentle savory bite.
- Tomato base: Tomato paste, undrained diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce create a rich, spoon-coating foundation.
- Broth and pasta: Low-sodium chicken broth supplies the liquid needed to cook the elbow macaroni directly in the skillet.
- Seasonings: Sweet paprika gives the goulash its signature warm note, while Italian seasoning adds familiar herb flavor.
- Finishing touches: Worcestershire sauce is optional but adds depth, and shredded cheddar gives each serving a creamy, salty topping.
Before you begin, dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and measure the seasonings. Having everything ready is especially helpful because the recipe moves quickly once the turkey has browned.
For a meal-planning menu, pair this goulash with a crisp side such as our ham and pineapple salad. Its cool, sweet-tangy flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the warm tomato sauce.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, then cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften but do not brown heavily.
Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the softened vegetables. Cook for 5–7 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces, until it is no longer pink and is evenly combined with the onion and pepper.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously so the garlic becomes fragrant and the tomato paste coats the turkey without sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using, then stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, stir in the 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet or Dutch oven. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to keep the macaroni from sticking and to help it cook evenly.
Step 7: Check the pasta near the end of the cooking time. As soon as the macaroni is tender, remove the pot from the heat; leaving it over the heat too long can cause the pasta to absorb excess liquid.
Step 8: Let the goulash stand for 3–5 minutes so the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust the salt or pepper, then spoon it into bowls and add 1/2–1 cup shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Turkey Goulash
Use a large, deep cooking vessel rather than a shallow frying pan. The extra space makes it easier to stir the macaroni and keeps the broth from bubbling over as the dish simmers.
Ground turkey benefits from moderate seasoning, so add the salt with the tomatoes and broth rather than relying only on the meat. If your chicken broth is not low-sodium, start with less added salt and adjust at the end.
Sweet paprika works especially well here because it gives the sauce a warm, goulash-like flavor without making the dish spicy. The Italian seasoning brings in dried herbs that suit the tomato sauce and help this American-style version taste rounded and familiar.
Do not drain the diced tomatoes. Their juices are part of the cooking liquid, and removing them could leave the macaroni undercooked or make the finished dish too thick.
Stir the pasta every few minutes while it simmers, scraping gently across the bottom of the pot. Remove the goulash from the heat as soon as the macaroni is tender, since carryover cooking will continue to soften it during the short resting period.
If you use 99% lean ground turkey, add an extra teaspoon of olive oil. The small amount of additional fat helps keep the meat tender and prevents the finished dish from tasting dry.
For another turkey-centered meal idea, compare the stovetop comfort of this goulash with our slow cooker turkey recipe when you want dinner to cook gradually.
Storage, Reheating & Serving Ideas
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to a covered container. Refrigerate and enjoy them within a few days for the best texture and flavor.
The macaroni will continue absorbing sauce as it sits, so leftovers may be thicker than the freshly cooked goulash. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a small splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Warm individual portions until heated through, stirring once during microwave reheating. Add cheddar after reheating so it melts over the hot pasta rather than becoming rubbery during storage.
This dish is substantial enough to serve on its own, but a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm bread can round out the meal. For a fun breakfast-for-dinner spread on another night, try an easy cheesy omelet with fresh fruit.
Save a little room for a bright finish after this savory meal. Our Mandarin orange dessert offers a cool, citrusy ending that balances the hearty goulash.
Easy Ground Turkey Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, then cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the ground turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon. Continue cooking until the turkey is no longer pink.
- Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste is mixed into the turkey.
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand uncovered for 3–5 minutes so the sauce can thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve as-is or top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Notes
Final Thoughts
Easy ground turkey goulash is the kind of dependable dinner that earns a regular place in the weekly rotation. It combines affordable ingredients, one-pot convenience, and a hearty tomato sauce with tender macaroni for a meal that feels generous without requiring complicated preparation.
Keep the pasta moving as it simmers, watch it closely near the end, and let the finished goulash rest briefly before serving. Add cheddar for extra comfort, or enjoy it straight from the skillet for a flavorful, family-friendly dinner ready in about 40–45 minutes.