Lighten up a bit with this Turkey Goulash recipe that is filled with vegetables. Comfort food that is better for you than the original – but it’s definitely not lacking on flavor!
Want even more ground turkey recipes? Try this Skillet Turkey Pot Pie or this Ground Turkey Chili.
It’s that time of year when everyone is looking to make healthier choices and get in shape. I originally wrote this post nearly 10 years ago, but I still live by the rule of moderation. It’s the only way for me to stay sane! But I try to make healthier dinner choices most nights so that I can splurge every once in awhile, and this Turkey Goulash is a great, easy, good for you dinner idea. Here’s to a healthy 2018!
Ingredients
- Egg Noodles: There are a lot of different egg noodles out there, so just choose one that you like. I typically will use extra large egg noodles that are easy to find at my grocery store.
- Oil: You can use any neutral oil, but I prefer olive oil or avocado oil.
- Vegetables: One of the reasons I love this recipe is because of how many vegetables there are! You need a mixture of onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. You can also sub in other veggies, if desired.
- Ground Turkey: You can use a super lean ground turkey for less fat, or I will typically use 85% lean turkey because it adds a little more flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: You will need 1 15-oz can of tomato sauce.
- Basil: A little bit of fresh basil at the end really brings it all together. If you don’t have basil, you could also use parsley.
How to Make Turkey Goulash:
STEP 1: Start by bringing a large pan of water to a boil for your noodles. This will take the most time, so it needs to be started first. Once boiling, add the noodles and cook according to the package directions.
STEP 2: Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook for a couple minutes, then add the bell pepper. Cook for another couple minutes, then add in the zucchini and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet.
STEP 3: To that same skillet, add the turkey and cook. Once browned, stir in the tomato sauce and cook until heated. Then stir in the cooked vegetables, as well as the cooked noodles. Stir it all together.
STEP 4: Serve topped with the basil.
More Healthy Dinner Recipes
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf
Cottage Cheese Pasta
Easy Lemon Chicken with Butternut Squash
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ground Turkey Chili
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Turkey Goulash
Ingredients
- 8 oz uncooked egg noodles
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper any color, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini sliced into half moons
- 20 oz ground turkey
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.8 oz uncooked egg noodles
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the bell pepper to the skillet and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add in the zucchini and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet to a plate and set aside.2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 small onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 medium zucchini
- Place the ground turkey in the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the tomato sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened. Add the reserved vegetables back to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat.8 oz uncooked egg noodles, 15 oz can tomato sauce
- Serve the goulash topped with the fresh basil.2 tablespoons fresh basil
Aimée says
I really respect your mantra! And I totally agree with ‘everything in moderation’, that’s very key.
Abby says
That’s a great outlook – and this looks like a fantastic meal!
Mary says
Good for you for your healthy everything in moderation attitude! That worked for me for several years. But unfortunately, I’m a stress eater and almost 2 years ago I went through an intensly stressful point in my life and packed on 70 pounds. And now with the knee still not cooperating, I can’t exercise either. So I’m dieting. But I’m trying to do it nice and slow and allow myself to splurge once in a while.
The goulash looks fantastic!
Paula says
This is a two-for post: healthy attitude and healthy recipe! Moderation … great philosophy! Do you find yourself craving different foods from usual while you are pregnant?
JodieMo says
I just finished the Body for Life thing about a month ago. It’s the least diety of all I have tried. The food is good too. I have this cookbook and I recommend the turkey bacon melts for breakfast. Hardly diet food at all! Now if I could just stick to the regular exercise I would be good…
MeetaK says
perfect in every way – diet – no way but it’s good to know i can indulge without feeling guilty!
Becky says
I’ve done the Body for Life thing…I must say, try the meatloaf in the Eating for Life cookbook…it is DELISH!
Michelle says
that sounds really good!
Maria says
Diets don’t work, so why try?? I can’t believe how many crazy ones are out there. Everything in moderation is the key and of course exercise!!!
Patsyk says
I’ve been on my share of diets… mainly because I have struggled with my body image as well. I’m striving for an everything in moderation lifestyle – like you. I have to keep up the exercise in order to maintain my weight though!
This recipe sounds great… and I’ve got a few cookbooks from various diets that really do have some great recipes in them. Nothing wrong with that!
Katerina says
Great recipe! I like your philosophy on the whole diet\exercise thing. I also follow a similar path. I have recently been trying to cook more healthy but it’s about eating more veggies and avoiding mindless eating. If you want the glass of wine, have it. Just make sure you really want it before you have the whole bottle. Those are my thoughts. Of course for you, currently make that a slice of cake rather then a glass of wine.
Susan from Food Blogga says
I commend you for writing this post. I think so many women struggle with body image issues. I agree, the healthiest lifestyle is to eat in moderation, and for me, to exercise. I find regular exercise helps me feel better about myself physically and emotionally.
Amanda at Little Foodies says
I was meant to drop by today… I just bought some minced/ground turkey but didn’t know what I was going to cook – Now I do, Thank you.
Agreed on the everything in moderation. It’s too hard to give some of the bad stuff up forever.
Happy cook says
You may call what ever you want, it looks delicious.
Yeah i know what you mean, i too have tried most of the diets.
Now i too just say enjoy everything in moderation.
Bellini Valli says
I totally agree with the everything in moderation philosphy.
Joanne says
I substituted with penne pasta. Family went back for 2nds. So yummy!
Deborah says
I’m so glad you loved it – and I want to try it with penne now!
kat says
Doesn't sound like diet food! I'm with you in that I'm not a dieter. I really believe that diets are just a short term solution & its really about moderation
Caroline says
Substitute whole wheat noodles. Delicious