If you’ve never tried Slumgullion before, you’re in for a treat! This hearty, comforting dish is a true one-pot wonder that combines ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce that just hits all the right cozy notes. I love making this when I want something filling but fuss-free – it’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out on a chilly evening or after a long day.

What makes this Slumgullion recipe stand out is its balance of flavors and textures – from the savory depth of beef and garlic to the subtle sweetness of bell peppers, all tied together with gooey cheddar. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again, whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week ahead.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Ease: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Balanced Flavors: The combination of Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika gives the dish depth without overpowering.
Comforting Texture: Tender pasta and melty cheddar create the perfect creamy consistency.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a meal that works great for family dinners or casual gatherings.

A close-up of a large white pot filled with a thick, hearty mixture of elbow macaroni pasta and ground meat in a rich, red tomato sauce. The pasta is soft and coated well with the sauce, along with small pieces of onions visible throughout. A large silver ladle is scooping up a serving from the pot, showing a dense cluster of the pasta and meat sauce, highlighting the texture and color contrast between the red sauce, brown meat, and pale pasta. The pot sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and the overall look is warm and comforting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Slumgullion recipe shines because each ingredient brings something special to the table. I’ve learned that using fresh veggies and quality broth makes all the difference, so don’t skip on good produce or flavorful stock.

Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and soften vegetables without overpowering flavors.
Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory beef.
Green Bell Pepper: Offers a crisp, fresh bite and a little color contrast.
Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and richness; I prefer lean to keep it from getting greasy.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of zing.
Beef Broth: Builds a flavorful base and keeps the dish moist.
Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce; the mix gives it texture and a rich tomato flavor.
Dry Macaroni: Absorbs the sauce while adding chewiness — I always check for al dente to avoid mushiness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a subtle umami boost, giving the dish a deeper savory taste.
Italian Seasoning: A blend that adds herbaceous warmth.
Bay Leaf: Infuses a gentle earthy aroma during simmering.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and color.
Cheddar Cheese: Creates a luscious, melty finish that’s utterly comforting.
Kosher Salt & Fresh Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to think of this Slumgullion recipe as a flexible base. Sometimes I swap out the beef for ground turkey or throw in extra veggies like mushrooms or carrots to add more texture. Don’t be shy about making it your own — a pinch more seasoning or a splash of hot sauce can really make it pop!

Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner variation, I find these proteins keep the dish lighter without losing heartiness.
Extra Veggies: Adding chopped mushrooms or carrots boosts nutrition and flavor; I often toss in whatever I have on hand.
Spicy Kick: A teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce livens things up nicely if you like heat.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different melting profile and flavor twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slumgullion Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base

First, heat your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot — I like using a heavy-bottomed one to prevent sticking. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, letting them soften for about 3-4 minutes before adding your ground beef. Season with salt and pepper to bring out all those savory flavors as the beef browns. Stir occasionally to break up the meat and cook until it’s no longer pink — this should take about 6-8 minutes. Just before you move on, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t rush this step; that aroma really sets the tone for the whole dish!

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Next comes the fun part — adding all the flavorful liquids and spices. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and the bay leaf. Season again lightly with salt and pepper, keeping in mind the cheese will add some saltiness later. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce your heat to low, cover, and let this simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This step lets all the ingredients meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, thick sauce that’s balanced and savory without being too heavy.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni Perfectly

After the sauce has simmered, stir in the dry macaroni and crank the heat back up to medium-high. This step might feel a bit tricky because you’re cooking pasta right in the sauce, but trust me — it works best! Stir frequently to keep the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot, and cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens, roughly 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it and test the pasta as you go to avoid overcooking. I’ve learned that stirring often and adjusting heat as needed really helps the final texture.

Step 4: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Once the pasta is just right, remove the bay leaf and lower the heat to low. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese gently until it melts and creates a creamy, luscious sauce that envelops every bite. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed — this final seasoning step really makes a difference. Serve immediately and get ready for some serious comfort food satisfaction!

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Pro Tips for Making Slumgullion Recipe

Don’t Rush Browning: Taking the time to properly brown your beef and soften the veggies builds richer flavor from the start.
Frequent Stirring: When cooking the macaroni in the sauce, stir often to prevent sticking or uneven cooking.
Cheese Quality Matters: Using a sharp, good-quality cheddar amps up the creaminess and flavor tremendously.
Don’t Skip Tasting: Adjust seasoning at every stage to avoid blandness or oversalting — trust your palate!

How to Serve Slumgullion Recipe

A white bowl filled with three main layers is shown up close; the bottom layer is elbow macaroni pasta with a smooth, pale yellow surface, the middle layer consists of ground beef and chopped green peppers mixed with a rich, thick, dark red tomato sauce that coats the pasta and meat evenly, and the top layer is the same meat and sauce mixture piled slightly higher in the middle, creating a textured, hearty appearance; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white and green striped cloth underneath, and behind it, a large blue pot with more of the same pasta dish inside is partially visible with a spoon sticking out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my Slumgullion with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions — it adds a bit of color and freshness that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or even a few slices of ripe avocado for creaminess and a little tang.

Side Dishes

This dish is so full-flavored and filling that simple sides work best. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans complement Slumgullion perfectly. For more indulgence, warm crusty bread on the side is great for soaking up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served Slumgullion in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s fun to dress it up with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a swirl of sour cream for visual appeal. This makes it feel less like a humble casserole and more like a comfort-food star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slumgullion actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded, so leftovers are a win. I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within 3 days. I recommend reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Slumgullion, let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When thawing, I thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of broth or water if it looks dry. This keeps the pasta tender and prevents the cheese from drying out. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

What is Slumgullion?

Slumgullion is a traditional American comfort food dish that blends ground meat, macaroni pasta, tomatoes, and seasonings into a rich, hearty stew-like meal. It’s known for being easy to make and satisfying.
Can I make Slumgullion without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even ground sausage. Vegetarian versions are possible too by swapping meat for mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the macaroni until just al dente according to the recipe timing, stirring regularly and checking for doneness early. Adding the pasta directly to the simmering sauce instead of boiling separately helps prevent overcooking.
Is Slumgullion freezer-friendly?

Yes, this Slumgullion recipe freezes well. Just be sure to cool it fully before freezing and thaw properly before reheating to maintain the best texture.
What cheese works best in Slumgullion?

I find sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds great flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for creaminess.

Final Thoughts

If you want a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Slumgullion recipe. It’s one of those recipes that has stuck with me over the years because it’s so reliable, tasty, and easy to make anytime. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do, and that it becomes a go-to comfort dish in your kitchen too. Give it a try — you might just find a new classic!