Italian Goulash With Gnocchi
Are you looking for a quick and easy, all-in-one dinner recipe? This rich Italian goulash with gnocchi makes a delicious quick dinner that can be whipped up in 30 minutes flat – perfect for busy weeknights. Beef sausages, bell peppers, and gnocchi are cooked in a rich paprika sauce making this a complete Italian meal the whole family will enjoy!
Why you’ll love this easy Italian goulash recipe
- Quick and easy: Unlike my traditional lamb goulash that simmers for hours on the stove, this Italian goulash can be whipped up in 30 minutes flat with a few simple ingredients.
- One-pot dinner: The gnocchi are cooked straight in the rich goulash turning it into an all-in-one dinner that makes clean-up a breeze.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe with different meat, vegetables, and starches to suit your taste or dietary requirements.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Sausages: Use high-quality beef sausages, Italian sausages if possible, for an extra rich flavor but you can substitute with ground beef as well. You’d need to flavor the ground beef with additional seasoning when browning it.
- Vegetables: Onion, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes create a rich stew. Substitute with garlic powder or flakes if needed. Green peppers are traditional, but red bell peppers add a nice sweetness. I use tinned crushed tomatoes but you can also use fresh diced tomatoes.
- Stock: Beef stock adds depth to the meat sauce. Substitute with beef bone broth for a richer flavor. I don’t recommend using chicken stock.
- Paprika: Sweet paprika powder is the key ingredient of a traditional goulash. I add some red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried oregano and basil work well. Double the amount if using fresh herbs.
- Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan for serving but you can use mozzarella cheese as well.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Pasta goulash: Cook penne, fusilli, elbow macaroni, or any short pasta of your choice in the rich goulash sauce instead of the gnocchi.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes to add some heat to the goulash.
- Goulash casserole: Top with fresh or frozen biscuits and bake until the biscuits are golden brown and the goulash is bubbly.
How to make Italian goulash
Step 1: Sauté onion and beef sausages in olive oil.
Step 2: Add sliced bell peppers and minced garlic. Stir in seasonings.
Step 3: Add stock and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Add the gnocchi and season to taste. Serve immediately.
Serving
Serve this Italian goulash with a side of Turkish flatbread or a mixed green salad such as my Insalata Mista.
Recipe FAQs
Store any leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator but keep in mind that the gnocchi will get very soft over time.
If you’re using the goulash with gnocchi I don’t recommend freezing it. Freeze any larger batches without pasta or gnocchi if want to meal prep this recipe.
Hungarian lamb goulash is traditionally made with lamb meat while Italian goulash can be made with a variety of meat and Italian flavors.
More easy pasta recipes
For more easy pasta dishes, check out the following recipes:
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Italian Goulash With Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 1 lb beef sausages 1-inch slices
- 3 bell peppers green and red, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 2 cups beef stock
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes or diced
- 1 lb gnocchi
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese to serve, optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sliced beef sausages. Cook for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the sausage pieces are browned.1 tbsp olive oil, 1 yellow onion, 1 lb beef sausages, 3 bell peppers
- Add the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic and cook another 2 minutes until fragrant.2 garlic cloves
- Reduce the heat and season the mixture with ground paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.2 tbsp ground paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- Pour in the beef stock and canned tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.2 cups beef stock, 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- Add the gnocchi to the sauce and cook for 1 minute. You don't want the gnocchi to be fully cooked as it continues to cook in the hot sauce.1 lb gnocchi
- Season to taste with salt and extra pepper. Serve the Italian goulash hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese (optional)salt & pepper, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
My favorite quick goulash recipe! Works with a variety of meats and pastas.