Turkey Goulash

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Turkey Goulash offers a hearty, comforting meal with tender turkey, savory tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings. The combination of green peppers, mushrooms, and a touch of sweetness makes it a versatile dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering rich flavors in a satisfying one-pot recipe.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. turkey, cooked and cubed
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 c. tomato juice
  • 1 medium green pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. dehydrated onion flakes
  • 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom pieces with liquid
  • artificial sweetener to equal 4 tsp. sugar
  • 2 oz. elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Instructions

  1. Combine cooked and cubed turkey, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, chopped tomatoes, tomato juice, chopped green pepper, dehydrated onion flakes, mushroom pieces with liquid, and artificial sweetener in a pot.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the boiling mixture.
  4. Continue boiling uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the macaroni absorbs all the juice and is tender.
  5. Divide the goulash evenly among four servings.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use leftover turkey from a roast or prepare fresh turkey in advance. If you can't find elbow macaroni, any small pasta shape works well as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness to your taste by modifying the amount of artificial sweetener, or use a natural sweetener if preferred. Adding some cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor profile for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the turkey goulash hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover turkey goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato juice if it seems too thick. It can also be reheated in the microwave for quick meals, ensuring it's heated through completely.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Turkey Goulash contains roughly 550 calories, with 31g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value), protein (62% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1918mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).

550 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 31.2g 62% DV
Total Fat 5.2g 7% DV
Carbs 108g 39% DV
Fiber 15.4g 55% DV
Sugar 6g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1917.6mg 83% DV
Potassium 2079.1mg 44% DV
Cholesterol 22.8mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 56.1mg 62% DV
Vitamin D 31.4mcg 100% DV
Calcium 127.3mg 10% DV
Iron 8.2mg 46% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 ground turkey instead of cubed turkey?

Yes, ground turkey can be a great alternative. Just cook it in the pot until browned before adding the other ingredients. This will help develop flavor and create a nice texture for the goulash.

What if I don't have tomato juice?

If you don't have tomato juice, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute. Additionally, you can blend some canned tomatoes with a little water to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of turkey goulash, substitute the turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based meat. Use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice and add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.

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).

American recipes → All recipes →