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Slumgullion Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 3 reviews

Oh, let me tell you about this comforting Slumgullion recipe — it’s one of those dishes that’s like a warm hug on a plate. Whenever I need a hearty, no-fuss meal that fills the house with cozy aromas, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something that feels like a classic family dinner without breaking a sweat.

What I love most about the Slumgullion recipe is how flexible and forgiving it is, yet it still manages to pack so much flavor. The mix of ground beef, tomatoes, and tender macaroni all meld together into this satisfying, rustic dish that’s not only budget-friendly but incredibly tasty — you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simplicity Meets Flavor: The combination of common ingredients creates a rich, balanced taste without complicated steps.
  • One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together, which means less cleanup and tighter flavors melding in that pot.
  • Comfort Food Staple: It’s filling, cheesy, and familiar, making it ideal for family dinners or crowds.
  • Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily swap ingredients or add your own twist without losing the essence of the dish.
A close-up of a large blue pot filled with macaroni and ground beef cooked in a thick red tomato sauce. The top layer shows elbow macaroni pasta mixed with small pieces of cooked beef and visible bits of green celery. A metal ladle lifts a portion of the mixture, showing a chunky texture with sauce clinging to the pasta and meat. The inside edge of the pot has some sauce splashes, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients — this Slumgullion recipe uses a classic combo that works harmoniously to create satisfying layers of flavor. Picking fresh veggies and good-quality beef really makes a difference, and the seasonings pull it all together beautifully.

  • Olive Oil: A good base for sautéing onion and peppers, giving a subtle fruity note while preventing sticking.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized just right.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Brings a slight freshness and a little crunch if not overcooked.
  • Lean Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein without too much fat, keeping the dish balanced.
  • Garlic: Just a couple cloves to uplift everything with that unmistakable savory punch.
  • Beef Broth: Adds richness and moisture, enhancing the meaty flavor base.
  • Tomato Sauce & Crushed Tomatoes: The duo gives a nice tomato depth — saucy yet chunky enough for texture.
  • Dry Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce nicely and cooks evenly in the pot.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami that adds complexity to the flavors.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and aromatic notes.
  • Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal undertones only when removed before serving.
  • Paprika: A sweet smokiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the dish for creaminess and a familiar cheesy comfort.
  • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to taste that pulls all ingredients together.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Slumgullion recipe is how you can really make it your own. I often switch up the veggies or throw in some extra spices depending on my mood or pantry stash.

  • Variation: I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version — works wonderfully without losing the hearty feel.
  • Vegetarian Option: Try substituting the beef with sautéed mushrooms and add more broth, then finish with your favorite cheese for a comforting meat-free dish.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your Slumgullion.
  • Different Pasta Shapes: While elbow macaroni is classic, small shells or rotini can be fun switches that catch the sauce nicely.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slumgullion Recipe

Step 1: Kick Off Sautéing Your Base

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and ground beef. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring every now and then, till the beef is cooked through and veggies have softened — about 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye so the beef browns nicely without burning the veggies. That caramelization builds your flavor foundation.

Step 2: Garlic & Tomato Goodness

Add minced garlic to the pot and stir it in for just about 30 seconds — you want those fragrant oils to release without turning bitter. Then pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and paprika, adding salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a bubbling boil, then lower heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow mingle time lets the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 3: Pasta Time

After simmering, stir in dry macaroni and crank the heat back to medium-high. Keep stirring occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the macaroni is just tender (al dente) and the sauce thickens nicely — about 10 to 12 minutes. Patience here pays off with that perfect pasta texture soaked in rich sauce.

Step 4: Cheese It & Finish

Remove the bay leaf, then lower the heat again to keep the dish warm. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy, hearty finish. Taste and adjust your salt and pepper. That final cheese melt is what pulls the whole Slumgullion recipe together into a cozy, satisfying meal.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Rush the Simmer: That 15-20 minute simmer really deepens flavors — it’s worth the wait.
  • Stir Pasta Often: I learned the hard way that macaroni sticks and clumps if you forget to stir; gentle nudging keeps it smooth.
  • Quality Cheese Matters: Using a sharp cheddar amps the flavor and melts beautifully for a richer finish.
  • Don’t Skip Removing Bay Leaf: Leaving it in can add bitterness; always scoop it out before serving.

How to Serve Slumgullion Recipe

A white bowl filled with a single layer of elbow pasta mixed with a thick, rich red-brown tomato sauce containing small pieces of ground meat and green vegetables, all coated evenly with the sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a folded white and green striped cloth, with a dark blue pot filled with the same dish visible in the background, along with several stacked white bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a little color and fresh punch. If you want to kick it up, a dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream adds a fun contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

Simple sides like a crisp green salad or sautéed green beans balance out this hearty dish nicely. Sometimes I serve it with buttered bread or garlic toast for sopping up every last bit of sauce — those little extras make it feel like a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I sometimes bake the prepared Slumgullion in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy crust. It adds a lovely texture twist and makes the dish feel a little more special without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a great next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen Slumgullion successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed and reheated, it holds up well without losing texture, making it a solid option for meal prep.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. A low simmer and frequent stirring bring it back to its comforting best.

FAQs

  1. What is Slumgullion?

    Slumgullion is a classic American comfort dish that typically combines ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and seasonings all cooked in one pot. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a family or crowd.

  2. Can I make Slumgullion without ground beef?

    Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. For a vegetarian version, consider sautéed mushrooms or lentils instead.

  3. Is Slumgullion suitable for meal prepping?

    Yes, Slumgullion stores well in the fridge and can be frozen in portions. Just make sure to reheat it slowly with a little extra liquid to keep it moist.

  4. What pasta works best in Slumgullion?

    Dry macaroni is traditional and works great because it cooks evenly and traps the sauce nicely. However, small pasta shapes like shells or rotini are also good alternatives.

  5. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking in the Slumgullion?

    Stir frequently during the pasta cooking stage to break up clumps. Adding enough liquid and maintaining medium-high heat while stirring will help keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slumgullion recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together simplicity and soulfulness in one pot. It’s a dish I always reach for when I want something that feels like home but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Give it a try — I promise, once you make it, Slumgullion will become one of your go-to comfort foods too!

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Slumgullion Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Slumgullion is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef simmered with tomatoes, spices, and tender macaroni pasta, finished with melted cheddar cheese for a deliciously savory dish perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups dry macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil and Cook Vegetables: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and browned.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to develop flavors.
  6. Add Macaroni and Cook: Stir in the dry macaroni pasta. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 12 minutes.
  7. Remove Bay Leaf and Add Cheese: Remove the bay leaf and reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
  8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your slumgullion.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like corn or peas for extra nutrition and color.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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