A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Ground Beef and Macaroni Comfort Meal
This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Slumgullion is an old-fashioned, satisfying one-pot meal made with ground beef, onion, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni. It’s simple, inexpensive, family-friendly, and perfect for busy days when you want the slow cooker to do most of the work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 main ingredients
- Easy slow-cooker preparation
- Budget-friendly
- Hearty and filling
- Great for families
- Freezer-friendly
- Makes excellent leftovers
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1½ cups (6 oz / 170 g) elbow macaroni
You’ll also need 1½ cups water or beef broth for cooking the stew.
Optional Seasoning & Toppings
- Black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, breaking the beef apart as it cooks.
Drain excess grease.
Tip: Browning isn’t absolutely necessary, but it gives the finished Slumgullion a deeper, richer flavor.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the tomato sauce and 1½ cups water or beef broth.
Stir well.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
The slow cooking allows the beef, onion, and tomato sauce to develop a rich, comforting flavor.
Step 4: Add the Macaroni
About 30–45 minutes before serving, stir the elbow macaroni into the slow cooker.
Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
Don’t add the macaroni at the beginning—it can become overly soft after several hours in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Spoon into bowls and, if desired, top with shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Slumgullion
Brown the beef first
Although you can add the beef directly to the slow cooker, browning it with the onion gives the dish considerably more flavor.
Add pasta near the end
The macaroni only needs about 30–45 minutes, so adding it later keeps it tender rather than mushy.
Use broth for extra flavor
Water works perfectly, but beef broth gives the tomato sauce a richer, more savory taste.
Don’t overcook the pasta
Check the macaroni toward the end of cooking. Slow cookers vary, so it may become tender sooner than expected.
Delicious Variations
Cheesy Slumgullion
Stir 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the finished dish and let it melt.
Italian-Style Slumgullion
Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and a little Parmesan.
Spicy Slumgullion
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Vegetable Slumgullion
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or carrots.
Beef & Bean Slumgullion
Add a can of drained kidney or pinto beans for an even heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Slumgullion with:
- Tossed green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Buttered peas
- Roasted carrots
- Cornbread
- Buttered toast
- Saltine crackers
A sprinkle of cheddar and a piece of warm cornbread make an especially comforting combination.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer
For the best texture, freeze the beef-and-tomato mixture without the macaroni, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
The fully cooked dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
If the Slumgullion has thickened, stir in a splash of water or beef broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Slumgullion?
Slumgullion is an informal name for a simple, hearty stew or one-pot meal. Recipes vary, but this version combines ground beef, tomato sauce, onion, and macaroni.
Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes. The source recipe notes that the beef can go into the slow cooker raw, although browning it first provides better flavor.
Can I use another pasta?
Yes. Small pasta shapes such as small shells, rotini, or ditalini can work, although cooking times may differ.
Can I make it in a Dutch oven?
Yes. Brown the beef and onion, add the tomato sauce and broth, and simmer gently until the flavors develop. Add the pasta toward the end and cook until tender.
Final Thoughts
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Slumgullion is old-fashioned comfort food at its simplest: savory ground beef, sweet onion, tomato sauce, and tender macaroni come together to make a filling meal with very little effort.
It’s inexpensive, easy to customize, and exactly the kind of cozy dinner that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
