Italian Goulash

When you’re craving comfort food but are short on kitchen time, look no further than this Italian Goulash recipe. It’s the perfect solution. Rich and savory, it brings together tender, pillowy gnocchi with homemade Italian sausage and mushrooms. This easy and scrumptious meal comes together in just about 30 minutes, satisfying your cravings with every delicious bite.

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What Is Goulash?

Originating in Hungary, goulash is a hearty stew that consists of tender chunks of beef that is simmered with onion, paprika and other spices. The original goulash dish has been around for centuries. However, goulash has evolved into a flexible dish that lets cooks use whatever ingredients they have on hand.

This recipe is Italian-inspired, combining the comforting elements of goulash in a time efficient manner. With flavorful Homemade Italian Sausage, pillowy gnocchi and the richness of sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers, this Italian Goulash delivers a satisfying blend of flavors in every bite.

Best Time of Year for Goulash

Goulash is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, but it particularly shines during the cooler months. Its hearty and warming qualities make it perfect for autumn and winter, when you’re craving something comforting and filling. However, thanks to its quick preparation and adaptability, you can whip up a batch of goulash anytime you’re in the mood for a satisfying meal, regardless of the season.

Ingredients Needed

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil– Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing ingredients while also enhancing the overall flavor of the goulash.
• Brown Onion– Also known as yellow onion, sautéing the brown onion until softened adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dish. Additionally, it is the foundation for building flavor complexity.
• Italian Sausage– Using Homemade Italian Sausage infuses the goulash with an incredible robust flavor while also adding a satisfying heartiness to the dish.
• Mushrooms– Either button, cremini or portobello mushrooms may be used. The addition of any one of these mushrooms adds a meaty texture and almost umami like flavor to the dish.
• Dried or Fresh Oregano– Provides a classic Italian herby flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Garlic– Brings in an aromatic and pungent flavor that enhances the overall flavor of the goulash.
• Tomato Paste– Adds an intense tomato flavor and richness to the sauce.
• Wine (either red or white)– Adding either red or white wine will bring in an acidity and brightness to the dish that enhances the depth of flavor. However, red wine will add a deep rich flavor, while white wine provides a lighter crisp taste.
• Chicken Broth– Provides flavor and moisture, enhancing the texture of the sauce.
• Roasted Red Peppers– Brings in a sweet and smokey flavor while also adding a vibrant color and delightful texture.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes– Provides a concentrated burst of savory sweetness, adding a delicious depth of flavor.
• Cannellini Beans– A nutritional powerhouse, cannellini beans also add a delicious creaminess along with a heartiness to the goulash.
• Black Olives– Contributes a briny, salty flavor while also adding a pop of contrasting color and texture.
• Fresh Basil– Infuses the dish with a fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Gnocchi– Brings in a comforting pillowy texture while also beautifully absorbing the flavors of sauce.
• Balsamic Vinegar– A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
• Parmigiano Reggiano (aka Parmesan)– Finishing off the goulash with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano add a luxurious nutty and savory depth of flavor.

How To Make Italian Goulash

1. Boil a pot of water for the gnocchi.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 8-9 minutes.
5. Stir in dried herbs and mushrooms; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
8. Pour in wine and broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits.
9. Add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, cannellini beans, olives, and basil. Simmer on low.
10. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions.
11. Stir balsamic vinegar and cooked gnocchi into the skillet.
12. Serve hot, garnished with Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh basil.

Top Tips

• Mise en Place is a French culinary term that means “everything in its place”. In practical application, this means preparing and organizing all the ingredients before starting to cook. Doing this method helps to reduce stress and allows for better timing while cooking and reduction of mistakes.
• When using canned beans for this Italian Goulash, it is important to rinse them well and then drain. Doing so removes excess sodium and reduces the starchy, sometimes metallic taste. This fine mesh strainer makes the job much easier.
• Either red or white wine can be used successfully for this recipe.
• Separate prepackaged gnocchi before cooking to ensure even cooking. Additionally, they are easier to add to boiling water when separated.
• Adding gnocchi to boiling water can be challenging. Using a spider strainer to submerge them is safer, as it prevents hot water from splashing.

Variations

Recipes like this Italian Goulash allow you to customize to suit your preferences. Here are just a few ideas for fun variations:

• Meat Options– Italian sausage can easily be substituted with ground beef, chicken or turkey.
• Mushrooms– Replace cremini mushrooms with button, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms for different textures and flavors.
• Herbs– Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary or Italian parsley and adjust the amount of oregano to suit your taste preferences.
• Tomato Options– Use fresh tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste for a lighter flavor.
• Beans and Olives– Swap cannellini beans with chickpeas or kidney beans, and try kalamata olives for a more robust flavor.
• Wine– For a non-alcoholic version, omit the wine and use additional chicken broth.
• Pasta Alternatives– Substitute gnocchi with pasta shapes like penne or fusilli, or opt for a gluten-free variety if needed.
• Cheese Variations– Replace Parmigiano Reggiano with Pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar for fun alternatives.

What to serve with Italian Goulash

Italian Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options to serve with Italian Goulash:

• Crusty Bread-Serve Sourdough Garlic Bread for a savory and comforting element, or opt for sourdough baguettes to soak up any remaining sauce.
• Salads-An Heirloom Tomato Salad adds a fresh and flavorful side, while a Creamy Italian Salad brings a comforting element to the meal. Also, a simple garden salad with Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette a light and delicious addittion.
• Vegetable Sides–  Light & Easy Ratatouille, Roasted Zucchini Slices or Green Bean and Tomato Salad are all delicious vegetable additions to this Goulash meal.
• Drinks– Limoncello Spritz is a bubbly and refreshing companion to any meal and Sgroppino is a delicious drink served afterwards.
• Dessert– Zabaglione is a quick, elegant Italian dessert that can be enjoyed warm or cold after Italian Goulash or enjoy the bright fresh flavors of Italian Lemon Pound Cake.