Italian Goulash
A hearty Italian goulash with savory tomato flavors, mushrooms, and tender pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook hamburger until done and drain.
- Cook rotini until tender, then drain.
- Put the cooked hamburger, rotini, Italian tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms into a 3-quart pan.
- Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like basil or oregano to the mixture. If you don't have rotini, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work well. For a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also enhance the dish by adding bell peppers or zucchini during the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Goulash with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine. For a heartier option, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This dish is also great for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Goulash contains roughly 321 calories, with 19g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (279% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. At about 321 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes will work well. Blanch them to remove the skins, chop, and add them in place of the canned tomatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as fresh tomatoes may take longer to break down.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño into the mixture. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of hamburger meat for a more robust flavor. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preference.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This Italian Goulash freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).