Slumgullion Recipe (American Goulash)

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My easy slumgullion recipe is a classic, comfort food dish. Sometimes referred to as American goulash or Beefaroni, this recipe is made with pasta, a pack of ground beef, and canned tomatoes. After making this recipe for years, I’m sure this one pot wonder will be a hit with family and friends.

Skillet with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni.


 

Slumgullion makes an easy family dinner

With years of having to feed hungry, picky kids, I have certain dinners that I know will always be loved by everyone. This one pot dish always hits the spot and is on our regular menu rotation.

I grew up eating this slumgullion, or goulash, and now my kids love it too. It’s super easy to make and you probably already have all of the ingredients.

If you need another idea for a pack of ground beef, be sure to try this taco twist and beef noodle skillet casserole recipe.

Why you will love this recipe

  • Simple – This beefaroni recipe is made with simple ingredients. It’s the ultimate, delicious comfort food that is sure to become a favorite dinner recipe.
  • One pot – Make this hearty dish in one pot or skillet which helps to cut down on the dish washing. The noodles are cooked with the beef and broth.

What does slumgullion mean?

This dish is American goulash but is sometimes referred to as slumgullion. But what does slumgullion mean? The Merrium Webster Dictionary lists the definition as beef stew however the origin and one of it’s earliest uses was referring to a beverage.

Slumgullion ingredients

All you need are a few basic ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.

  • Elbow macaroni – Macaroni noodles are the classic choice for this recipe. You can substitute with another smaller pasta.
  • Ground beef – I like using a lean ground beef for this recipe.
  • Beef stock – Helps to cook the noodles.
  • Worcestershire sauce – Adds another layer of savory, beefy flavor.
  • Petite diced tomatoes – Use the whole can of diced tomatoes.
  • Tomato sauce – Use your favorite canned tomato sauce.
  • Onion – One small diced onion.
  • Garlic – Minced garlic adds a nice flavor to the recipe.
  • Seasonings – Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper.
Bowl of pasta, ground beef, stock, seasonings, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.

How to make slumgullion

Step one: Beef – Cook and brown the ground beef in a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Break up the ground beef while cooking. Cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Add in diced onion and minced garlic.

Skillet with ground beef and diced onion.

Step two: Noodles – Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth, can of tomato sauce, and petite diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Bring the beef mixture to a simmer and then add in the macaroni noodles. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Skillet with ground beef and tomato sauce.

Step three: Stir the mixture and serve warm. Optional, top with shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, diced green onions, and or a dollop of sour cream.

Heather’s recipe tips and substitutions

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground bison.
  • Give this recipe a spicy flavor and try substituting petite diced tomatoes with a can of Rotel tomatoes.
  • Want to add some extra vegetables, add in diced green peppers or red peppers with the onion.
  • If your slumgullion is too thick, you can add a splash of beef broth to achieve the consistency you desire.
Wooden spoon with beefy elbow macaroni.

How to store leftover slumgullion

Store: Let the meal cool a little before storing leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat in a pot on the stove or in a microwave safe container in the microwave.

Common questions

Is slumgullion the same as goulash?

It is considered the same as American goulash, not Hungarian goulash which is more like a stew.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You could substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative and use vegetable stock.

If you made this one pot recipe, let me know in the comment section.

More pasta recipes

Skillet with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni.
5 from 1 vote

Slumgullion Recipe

By Heather
This easy slumgullion recipe, or American goulash recipe, can be made with just a few simple ingredients. I delicious, hearty dinner that the whole family will enjoy. This slumgullion is made with ground beef and elbow macaroni.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes (the whole can)
  • 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles

Instructions 

  • Brown the ground beef in a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Make sure to break up the ground beef while cooking. Cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in beef broth, can of petite dice tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles. Cover the skillet or pot with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes or until the noodles are cooked. Turn off the heat. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground bison.
  • Give this recipe a spicy flavor and try substituting petite diced tomatoes with a can of Rotel tomatoes.
  • Want to add some extra vegetables, add in diced green peppers or red peppers with the onion.
  • If your slumgullion is too thick, you can add a splash of beef broth to achieve the consistency you desire.

Nutrition

Calories: 722kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1227mg | Potassium: 461mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 29IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
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