Renee's Kitchen Quest

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Turkey Goulash

Turkey Goulash

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Turkey Goulash

 

Hello, my fellow foodie adventurers!

Today’s quest is a hearty triumph: Turkey Goulash! This delightfully light and delicious recipe is a healthy version of the classic goulash you grew up with, and you’ll love how it transforms those nostalgic flavors into a wholesome, yummy feast. Picture this: lean ground turkey paired with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and zucchini—the veggies truly shine as the stars here, with zucchini stealing my heart—mixed with herbed, spiced egg noodles in a tangy tomato sauce. It’s a quick, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor, light on guilt, and perfect for any night of the week. I’m always on a quest to create healthy spins on the classics we adore, so if you have a dish you’d like me to convert, hit me up—I’d love to hear from you! Ready to wield your skillet and forge this treasure?

 

Ingredients You’ll Need (Quest Inventory)

      • 8 oz. egg noodles (the sturdy scrolls)
      • 1 sweet onion, chopped (the humble village root)
      • 1 red bell pepper, chopped (a crimson herald)
      • 1 zucchini, sliced (the green gem)
      • 2 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped (fragrant banners)
      • 1 lb. ground turkey (the lean champion)
      • 1 tbsp. BBQ sauce (the smoky elixir)
      • 3 tbsp. garlic powder (the bold essence)
      • 1 tsp cumin (the earthy spark)
      • 1 tsp tomato basil garlic seasoning (the enchanted dust)
      • 1 tsp salt (the seasoning rune)
      • 1 tsp black pepper (a shadow kiss)
      • 2 cups tomato sauce (the ruby tide)
      • 1 tbsp. Cholula hot sauce (the fiery sting)

 

How To Forge The Feast (Quest Steps)

      • Gather the Allies: Chop the 1 sweet onion, 1 red bell pepper, and 2 tbsp. fresh basil—place in a bowl. Slice the 1 zucchini into half-moons and add to the veggie mix—your star players are ready!
      • Cook the Scrolls: Boil the 8 oz. egg noodles in salted water according to package directions—drain and set aside, tender and waiting.
      • Brown the Champion: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the 1 lb. ground turkey, breaking it up with a meat chopper or spoon—cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.
      • Sauté the Stars: Add the chopped veggies to the pot with the turkey—continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and release their flavors.
      • Brew the Potion: Stir in 1 tbsp. BBQ sauce, 3 tbsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp tomato basil garlic seasoning, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 cups tomato sauce, and 1 tbsp. Cholula—mix well to create a tangy, spiced elixir.
      • Unite the Feast: Add the cooked egg noodles to the pot—toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the flavorful sauce.
      • Claim Your Feast: Serve hot and savor this light, comforting triumph—enjoy the veggie-packed goodness!

 

Tips Tricks & Variations

This Turkey Goulash is a classic reborn, but every Kitchen Quest hero needs a few clever moves and twists to master the craft. Here’s how to wield your skills and remix this dish like a true flavor bard!

 

Cooking Tricks:

    • Veggie Prep: Chop the veggies ahead and store in the fridge—saves time when you’re ready to forge!
    • Noodle Hack: Undercook the egg noodles by 1 minute—they’ll finish in the sauce without getting mushy.
    • Turkey Boost: Add a splash of broth while browning the turkey—keeps it juicy and tender.
    • Flavor Pop: Reserve a tbsp. of tomato sauce to drizzle over the top—adds a fresh finish!

 

Tasty Variations:

    • Spicy Skirmish: Double the Cholula or add red pepper flakes—ignite a fiercer flame for the bold!
    • Veggie Vault: Swap zucchini for mushrooms or add diced carrots—extra loot for your goulash realm.
    • Seasoning Twist: Trade cumin for smoked paprika—shifts the spark to a smokier realm!
    • Herb Quest: Mix in fresh thyme or oregano with the basil—a new fragrant banner to wave proudly.
    • Noodle Pact: Use whole wheat noodles or pasta shells—changes the scroll for a heartier bite.

 

If you missed it, swing back to my last post: Cauliflower Hamburger Casserole—an elegant, creamy quest to fuel your next adventure!

Turkey Goulash

Renee
Lean ground turkey paired with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and zucchini, mixed with herbed, spiced egg noodles in a tangy tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 298 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 1 sweet onion
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 zucchini (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
  • 3 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp tomato basil garlic seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 cups of tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Cholula

Instructions
 

  • Chop the onions, bell pepper, and basil and place in a bowl
  • Slice the zucchini and add to the other veggies
  • Cook egg noodles according to package directions
  • In a large pot brown the ground beef separating with a meat chopper
  • Add the veggies and continue browning
  • Add the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, tomato basil garlic seasoning, cumin, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and Cholula and mix well.
  • Add the cooked egg noodles and mix well.
  • Serve and enjoy
Keyword Healthy