If you’re looking for a cozy, one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, you’ve got to try this Slumgullion recipe. It’s this fantastic blend of hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce that just fills your kitchen with the kind of aromas that promise comfort in every bite. I always think of it as the perfect weeknight dinner—quick enough to make after work, but comforting enough to feel like a real treat.

What makes this Slumgullion recipe so special is how the flavors meld together with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The balance of Italian seasoning, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce gives it depth without fussing over complicated prep. Plus, it’s super adaptable, so you can make it your own. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious!

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, minimizing mess and maximizing flavor meld.
Balanced Flavors: The combo of Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and Italian seasoning gives the dish a savory, slightly smoky depth.
Comforting Texture: The tender macaroni soaks up the rich sauce, creating a cozy, satisfying bite every time.
Adaptability: Easy to tweak with whatever veggies or spices you have on hand, perfect for customizing to your taste.

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

The ingredients in this Slumgullion recipe come together to build layers of flavor and texture that feel just right. Picking good quality beef and picking fresh veggies really helps create a better final dish, and the dry macaroni is a classic base that cooks perfectly in the sauce.

Olive oil: A great base fat that adds richness and helps sauté the veggies without overpowering the dish.
Yellow onion: Adds mild sweetness and depth when browned slowly with the beef.
Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly bitter crunch that balances the rich beef.
Lean ground beef: The main protein providing heartiness; lean keeps the dish from getting greasy.
Garlic: A punch of aromatic flavor that boosts everything else in the recipe.
Beef broth: Adds a savory backbone to the sauce, making it more complex than just tomatoes alone.
Tomato sauce & crushed tomatoes: These create the bulk of the sauce; using both gives a nice texture contrast.
Dry macaroni: The pasta that absorbs all the flavors while maintaining a perfect tender bite.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and subtle tang that lifts the sauce beyond basic tomato flavors.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
Bay leaf: Infuses the dish with gentle herbal notes during simmering.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and color without heat.
Cheddar cheese: Provides creamy richness and helps bind the dish at the end.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing 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 love making this Slumgullion recipe my own by switching up the veggies or spices depending on what’s in the fridge or what flavors I’m craving. You can easily add a spicy kick or go vegetarian—don’t hesitate to customize it, because that’s what makes this dish so flexible and enjoyable.

Variation: For a bit of heat, I often toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños—adds a lively twist!
Vegetarian Option: Swap out ground beef for plant-based beef or extra mushrooms—still hearty and delicious.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add chopped zucchini or carrots with the peppers for more texture and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: I sometimes use pepper jack or smoked gouda to change up the cheesy finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slumgullion Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and the lean ground beef. I like to season with salt and pepper early on to build flavor as the beef browns. Stir occasionally so everything cooks evenly, and wait until the beef is no longer pink—about 7 minutes. This browning step really brings out a deep, savory flavor that sets the tone for the whole dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce

Once the beef and veggies are cooked, add the minced garlic and stir it in for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and paprika. Give everything a good stir and season again with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this to a boil before reducing it to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let those flavors mingle for 15 to 20 minutes. This gentle simmering is key, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni Right in the Sauce

After the simmer, stir in the dry macaroni. Turn the heat back up to medium-high and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You’ll want the macaroni tender but with a little bite left—perfectly al dente. This step thickens the sauce naturally, giving you that satisfying stew-like texture.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Final Seasoning

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste one last time and adjust your seasoning with salt and pepper. Voilà—you’re ready to serve a comforting bowl of Slumgullion that feels like home in every bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Slumgullion Recipe

Brown Well: Don’t rush browning the beef and veggies—it locks in flavor and reduces moisture for a richer sauce.
Stir Often When Cooking Pasta: Pasta can stick to the bottom as it cooks in the sauce, so stirring regularly prevents scorching.
Adjust Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick before pasta is done, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Cheese Timing: Stir cheese in at the end off the heat or on very low heat to keep it smooth and prevent it from clumping.

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

When I serve Slumgullion, I love sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top—it adds freshness and a pop of color. A little extra shredded cheddar or even a dollop of sour cream can make it richer if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty complete on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty bread to scoop up any leftover sauce. Roasted veggies on the side also balance the meal wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at casual dinner parties, serve the Slumgullion in mini cast-iron skillets or hollowed-out bell peppers. It makes for a cute presentation and lets everyone personalize their portion with extra cheese or hot sauce. I’ve even used it as a filling for stuffed baked potatoes when I wanted to switch things up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slumgullion keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let it cool completely before storing to keep the texture intact. When you reheat, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it seems thick.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully, though the texture of the macaroni changes just slightly. To freeze, cool it fully, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat Slumgullion on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a little broth or water so it doesn’t dry out. Microwave works fine too; cover loosely to keep moisture in and stir halfway through heating for even warmth.

FAQs

What exactly is Slumgullion?

Slumgullion is a hearty, one-pot dish featuring ground beef, pasta, and a tomato-based sauce, often seasoned with herbs and spices for a comforting meal. It’s a traditional American stew-like dish known for its simplicity and wholesomeness.
Can I use other types of pasta in Slumgullion?

Yes! While dry macaroni is classic, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or even small penne. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta cooks through in the sauce.
Is Slumgullion suitable for freezing?

It is, although the texture of the pasta may soften a bit after freezing. To maintain quality, freeze in airtight containers and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently.
How can I make this Slumgullion recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives for texture and protein.
What can I serve with Slumgullion?

A fresh green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, and crusty bread or rolls all make excellent sides that complement the richness of Slumgullion.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Slumgullion is one of those recipes that feels like a kitchen secret you want to share with everyone. It’s quick to make, forgiving for cooks of all skill levels, and warms you up from the inside out. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and find yourself coming back to it again and again when you need a comforting, flavorful meal without the fuss. Trust me, once you have a bowl, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite in my home!