Healthier Italian Goulash
Try this Healthier Italian Goulash recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Healthier Italian Goulash recipe, or contribute your own.
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small onion finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 carrots, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 8 ounces mushrooms finely chopped or ground in a food proce
- 1 pound lean ground turkey chicken or beef
- 1/2 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce or liquid aminos
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (i recommend contadina brand with
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce (i recommend contadina brand.)
- 2 cups whole grain elbow macaroni uncooked
- salt and pepper to taste (taste first i didn't need to add any salt or pepper.)
- grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to garn
- Carbohydrate 14.9301900183797 g
- Cholesterol 358.3379723 mg
- Fat 41.3194197642643 g
- Fiber 1.65509996495335 g
- Protein 85.2579778057386 g
- Saturated Fat 10.8445883255232 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (961g)
- Sodium 4475.01333488397 mg
- Sugar 13.2750900534263 g
- Trans Fat 4.31046556717864 g
- Calories 787 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to heated skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground turkey, seasonings and soy sauce (or liquid aminos) and cook until the meat is slightly browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
- Stir crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth into meat mixture and bring to a boil.
- Turn heat down to simmer, place a lid on the skillet and allow this to cook for 15 minutes.
- Stir in elbow macaroni, return the lid to the pot, and continue to simmer for about 30 minutes.
- If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve with garlic bread and enjoy!!
A Busy Mom's Take on a Healthier Italian Goulash
Life as a mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the family fed and happy, finding time for anything, let alone elaborate cooking, can feel impossible. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and efficient. This Healthier Italian Goulash is my new go-to – it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together surprisingly quickly, and it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
I've always loved goulash, but traditional recipes can be heavy on the fat and calories. This version uses lean ground turkey (though chicken or beef works too!), whole grain macaroni for added fiber, and plenty of fresh vegetables. The key to its success, I've found, is not just in the ingredients, but in the layering of flavors. Starting by sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery builds a rich base, while the mushrooms and garlic add an earthy depth. The crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce provide a tangy sweetness, beautifully balanced by the savory notes of the Italian seasoning and soy sauce. And don’t underestimate the importance of the chicken broth - it adds incredible moisture and makes the whole thing incredibly comforting.
Why this recipe works for busy weeknights:
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup – always a bonus!
- Quick cooking time: The entire dish simmers together in under an hour.
- Freezer-friendly: Leftovers freeze beautifully for those even busier days.
- Adaptable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all be delicious additions.
This isn’t just a weeknight dinner; it’s a family favorite. My kids, who are usually picky eaters, gobble this up. It's hearty enough to satisfy even my husband’s appetite after a long day of work. And the best part? It doesn’t require any fancy cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s simple, satisfying, and makes me feel good about feeding my family a healthy, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips and Tricks for Goulash Success:
- Don't overcook the ground turkey: Overcooked turkey can become dry. Cook until it's just browned and broken up.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Every batch of tomatoes is slightly different, so adjust the salt and pepper to your liking at the end.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley really elevates the dish.
- Serve with crusty bread: This is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
So, next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner, give this Healthier Italian Goulash a try. It's the perfect recipe for busy weeknights and a surefire way to impress your family without spending all day in the kitchen. The combination of textures and the incredible depth of flavor make this more than just a meal – it's a comforting hug in a bowl.
I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you.
