Why You’ll Love this Spicy Family Goulash
If you’re a fan of comfort food with a serious kick, this Spicy Family Goulash recipe will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. I’m talking about a hearty, soul-warming dish that lets you control exactly how much heat you can handle—mild, hot, or super hot.
What makes this goulash special? The versatility, for one. With ground turkey as the protein base, it’s lighter than traditional beef versions but still satisfyingly rich. The combination of diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and that elbow macaroni creates the perfect texture in every bite.
And can we talk about the spice options? From a gentle warmth to a “where’s-the-milk” level of heat, you get to customize your culinary adventure. Perfect for families with varying spice tolerances.
What Ingredients are in Spicy Family Goulash?
This spicy family goulash recipe packs a serious punch of flavor with a combination of everyday ingredients and some special spicy additions. What makes this dish so versatile is that you can adjust the heat level to your family’s preference—whether you want it mild, hot, or super hot. The base starts with ground turkey instead of the traditional beef, making it a bit lighter while still delivering that hearty, comforting quality we all desire in a good goulash.
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can tomato soup
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons parsley flakes
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 1/4 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/8 teaspoon Mexican chili powder (for hot version)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for hot version)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for hot version)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Foreplay Spice Rub (for super hot version)
- 3 1/2 ounces Wango Tango Hot Habanero BBQ Sauce (for super hot version)
When shopping for these ingredients, you might wish to evaluate the heat tolerance of those you’re cooking for. The recipe provides options for three heat levels, so you can customize accordingly. For a mild version, stick with the basic spices. To kick it up a notch, add the Mexican chili powder, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. And for those brave souls who enjoy setting their taste buds ablaze, the Cajun spice rub and habanero BBQ sauce will definitely do the trick. Can’t find these exact hot sauces? No worries—any similar spicy rubs or hot sauces can work as substitutes.
How to Make this Spicy Family Goulash
To make this mouthwatering spicy goulash, start by browning 1 pound of ground turkey in a large skillet. Once it’s fully cooked through with no pink remaining, drain off any excess fat and set the meat aside.
Using the same skillet (why dirty another pan?), add in your 14½ ounce can of diced tomatoes and 10¾ ounce can of tomato soup. Then toss in your ½ diced white onion, ¼ diced green bell pepper, and ¼ diced red bell pepper. Season this bubbling mixture with ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons of parsley flakes. Let this savory concoction simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all those flavors to mingle and get friendly with each other.
While your sauce is simmering away, multitask by boiling 1½ cups of elbow macaroni (or whatever pasta shape makes your heart happy) in a separate pot until tender. Drain the pasta well and add it to your tomato mixture.
For the best results and even heat distribution, consider preparing this dish in cast iron cookware which retains heat beautifully for a perfect simmer.
Now comes the heat! For the mild version, you’re already done. But for those who crave that fiery kick, add the hot spices: 1/8 teaspoon Mexican chili powder, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Want to go super hot? Go all in with 1 teaspoon of Cajun Foreplay Spice Rub and 3½ ounces of Wango Tango Hot Habanero BBQ Sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine, and serve it up while it’s hot. This spicy goulash brings the perfect balance of comfort food heartiness and bold, exciting heat that’ll have everyone at the table reaching for seconds—and maybe a glass of milk!
Spicy Family Goulash Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of family goulash lies in its incredible flexibility, making it the perfect recipe for customization based on what you have in your pantry or dietary preferences.
You can easily swap ground turkey for beef, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you’re going vegetarian. Don’t have elbow macaroni? No problem—rotini, shells, or penne work just as magically to soak up that spicy sauce.
For the heat level, it’s all about personal tolerance. Omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes entirely for a mild version, or amp things up by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Can’t find Wango Tango sauce? Any habanero or chipotle sauce will do the trick, giving your goulash that signature kick that’ll warm you from the inside out.
What to Serve with Spicy Family Goulash
Wondering what pairs perfectly with a steaming bowl of spicy family goulash? I’m a firm believer that the right side dish can transform this hearty meal into an unforgettable dinner experience.
Crusty garlic bread is my go-to companion—nothing beats using it to soak up that flavorful sauce. A crisp, tangy cucumber salad provides invigorating contrast to the goulash’s heat, cooling your palate between bites.
For something heartier, consider roasted vegetables tossed with a light vinaigrette or a simple green salad with ranch dressing.
When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up some quick-pickled red onions or serve a dollop of sour cream on top to mellow out the spiciness. Remember, the hotter your goulash version, the more cooling elements you’ll appreciate alongside it!
Final Thoughts
Every great family recipe deserves a special place in your cooking rotation, and this spicy goulash might just become your new favorite weeknight warrior. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—make it mild for the kiddos, kick it up a notch for the spice-curious, or go full inferno for the heat seekers in your life.
I’m particularly fond of how this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something that feels special enough for company but simple enough for Monday night dinner. Don’t you love when that happens? The leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, actually taste better the next day as those spices continue to meld together. Trust me on this one, your dinner table will never be the same.
