Italian Goulash is not just your run-of-the-mill weeknight meal; it’s a delightful dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Imagine tender gnocchi soaking up a savory sauce packed with the rich flavors of Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant roasted red peppers. Doesn’t that sound inviting? What I love most about this recipe is how it combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create something truly comforting and full of flavor. Plus, you can whip it up in just about 30 minutes!
So if you’re like me and often find yourself searching for quick and satisfying dinner ideas, Italian Goulash is the solution. It’s perfect for sharing with family or indulging in after a long day. But enough chit-chat—let’s get cooking and dive into the details of making this mouthwatering dish that you’ll be excited to share.
Why This Recipe Works
Italian Goulash is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender gnocchi absorbing a rich sauce infused with Italian sausage. This dish is crafted to maximize flavor while keeping preparation time to just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for any busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Goulash
The unique combination of hearty sausage, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant roasted red peppers will transport your taste buds to Italy. This recipe isn’t just easy to make; it’s also a comfort dish that feels special, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging after a long day.
Ingredients for Italian Goulash
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large brown onion, diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 6 medium garlic cloves, crushed (about 1 1/2-2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 16 ounces roasted red peppers, diced
- 8 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienne cut
- 16 ounces cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 6 ounces black olives, drained and halved
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 32 ounces gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, for serving
Preparing the Gnocchi
Boiling the Gnocchi
First, put a pot of water on to boil for the gnocchi. It’s simple enough; just follow the package instructions for timing. Once that water is bubbling, add the gnocchi and let them cook until they float to the top. This typically takes just a few minutes, so keep an eye on them.
Making the Sauce
Sautéing the Onions
While the gnocchi is cooking, take out a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Cooking the Italian Sausage
Next, add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, roughly 8-9 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Adding the Mushrooms and Herbs
Now, it’s time to stir in that dried oregano along with the sliced mushrooms. Keep cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the mushrooms to soften and release their wonderful earthy flavor.
Incorporating Garlic and Tomato Paste
Give your dish an aromatic lift by adding the crushed garlic. Sauté it until it’s fragrant; this should only take 1-2 minutes. Then, mix in the tomato paste, letting it cook for a few minutes to deepen that flavor.
Deglazing with Wine and Broth
Now for the fun part—pour in the wine and chicken broth to deglaze the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom; those bits are essential for flavor!
Combining the Vegetables
Once the sauce is simmering nicely, add in the roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed cannellini beans, black olives, and torn fresh basil leaves. Stir it well and lower the heat, allowing it to simmer while the gnocchi finishes cooking.
Final Touches
After the gnocchi is done, drain and stir them into the sausage mixture along with a splash of balsamic vinegar. It all comes together beautifully with the mix of flavors. Serve hot, generously garnished with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and throw in some fresh basil leaves for good measure.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Goulash pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Top with extra Parmigiano Reggiano for a richer flavor experience.
Tips for Success
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by using spicy Italian sausage if you want a kick.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while browning the sausage; this helps achieve a nice sear.
Variations
Try mixing it up a bit! You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or kale to add some nutrition. You might also enjoy experimenting with different types of beans, like black beans or pinto beans, for a new twist.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Italian Goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Pairing Ideas
Pair your Italian Goulash with a medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, to elevate the meal further. If you’re a white wine lover, a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio works perfectly too.
FAQs
1. Can I make Italian Goulash ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
2. What can I use instead of gnocchi?
Small pasta shapes like elbows or shell pasta can be a great substitute if you prefer.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free gnocchi and check the labels of the sausage and broth.
4. Can I freeze Italian Goulash?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure it’s in airtight containers and thaw before reheating.
5. What else can I add to this dish?
Feel free to customize it with additional veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Italian Goulash is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and warmth to the dinner table. With its simplicity and depth of flavor, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again. Perfect for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining, Italian Goulash offers versatility and a taste of Italy that everyone will enjoy.
Print
Italian Goulash
Italian Goulash is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. With a mix of savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and tender gnocchi, it’s a delightful choice for a quick weeknight meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large brown onion, diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 6 medium garlic cloves, crushed (about 1 1/2–2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 16 ounces roasted red peppers, diced
- 8 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienne cut
- 16 ounces cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 6 ounces black olives, drained and halved
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 32 ounces gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, for serving
Instructions
- Boil a pot of water for the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes.
- Add Italian sausage, cook until browned, about 8-9 minutes.
- Stir in dried oregano and sliced mushrooms; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add crushed garlic and tomato paste; cook for an additional few minutes.
- Pour in wine and chicken broth to deglaze the skillet.
- Add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, cannellini beans, black olives, and basil; simmer.
- Drain gnocchi and stir into the sauce with balsamic vinegar.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh basil.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Adjust spice level with spicy Italian sausage if desired.
Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning sausage for a better sear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 53
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 60
