There’s something magical about a big pot of cheesy, saucy pasta bubbling away on the stove. This Homemade Slumgullion Recipe brings together tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Even better? Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, planning easy weeknight meals, or craving something warm and satisfying, this old-fashioned favorite checks all the boxes.
And trust me, once that cheddar melts into the tomato sauce, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Table of Contents
What Is Slumgullion?
Slumgullion is a traditional American comfort food made with ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and seasonings. Often compared to American goulash, it’s a hearty, affordable meal that has been enjoyed in home kitchens for generations.
While recipes vary from family to family, most versions feature a simple combination of beef, pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
This version takes things one delicious step further by adding sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy, comforting finish.
The best part? You don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. Just one pot, a few pantry staples, and a little appetite.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Slumgullion Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Dinner: Everything cooks in the same pot, making preparation and cleanup simple.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, and cheese create a filling meal without spending much.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild seasonings, tender pasta, and melted cheddar make this a comforting dinner for all ages.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Ready in approximately 35 minutes with minimal hands-on work.
- Great for Leftovers: The flavors blend beautifully overnight, making it ideal for next-day lunches.
- Easy to Customize: Swap the pasta, add vegetables, or adjust the cheese to match your family’s preferences.
Ingredients for Homemade Slumgullion
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient adds something special, creating a rich and satisfying dish without unnecessary fuss.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base for the dish.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- 2 cups medium pasta shells: Perfect for catching the delicious sauce in every bite.
- 2 cups beef broth: Helps cook the pasta while adding savory richness.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Creates the smooth tomato base.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor.
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Chef Omar’s Tip: Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties. If you want that beautifully creamy finish, grating your own cheese is worth the extra minute.
How to Make Homemade Slumgullion Recipe
This easy dinner comes together in five simple steps. Grab your favorite Dutch oven or deep skillet, and you’re ready to go.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Place a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, drain any excess grease.
Browning the meat develops a deep, savory flavor that forms the foundation of the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced yellow onion directly to the browned beef.
Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
The garlic should smell fragrant without turning brown.
This simple combination gives the sauce a wonderful homemade flavor.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth into the pot.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
The mixture should look rich, tomatoey, and slightly soupy at this stage.
Don’t worry about the extra liquid. The pasta will absorb much of it as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Add the uncooked pasta shells directly to the pot.
Stir well, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover and simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
The pasta should become tender while absorbing the flavorful tomato and beef broth.
If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta finishes cooking, add a small splash of water or extra broth.
Step 5: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from the heat.
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir gently until completely melted.
The cheese will blend with the tomato sauce, creating a creamy coating around the beef and pasta shells.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a little extra cheddar if desired.
Serve immediately while everything is warm, cheesy, and delicious.
Expert Tips for the Best Slumgullion
Even a simple comfort food recipe benefits from a few smart cooking tricks.
Choose lean ground beef. Ground beef labeled 85% or 90% lean works well because it provides flavor without leaving the dish overly greasy.
Stir the pasta occasionally. Since everything cooks together, the pasta can stick to the bottom if left undisturbed.
Watch the liquid level. Different pasta shapes absorb different amounts of broth. Add extra liquid gradually if necessary.
Avoid overcooking the pasta. Check the shells around the 12-minute mark. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
Add the cheese off the heat. This helps create a smooth sauce rather than an oily or grainy mixture.
Taste before serving. Broth, canned tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce all contribute salt, so adjust the final seasoning carefully.
One of my favorite things about one-pot cooking is watching basic ingredients turn into something special. With this recipe, that moment happens when the cheddar melts and transforms the tomato sauce into a creamy, comforting dinner.
Delicious Variations to Try
This Homemade Slumgullion Recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to adapt based on what’s in your refrigerator.
Add More Vegetables
For extra color and nutrition, try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Bell peppers can cook alongside the onions, while spinach is best stirred in during the final few minutes.
Make It Spicy
If your family enjoys a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
Try Different Pasta Shapes
Although medium shells work beautifully, elbow macaroni, rotini, or small penne can also be used.
Cooking times and liquid requirements may vary slightly.
Switch the Protein
Ground turkey or ground chicken can replace the beef for a lighter variation.
For extra flavor, brown the poultry thoroughly and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Experiment With Cheese
Sharp cheddar provides a bold, classic taste, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a mild cheddar blend also work well.
For an extra cheesy dinner, sprinkle a little additional cheese over each serving.
FAQs About Homemade Slumgullion Recipe
Is Slumgullion the same as American goulash?
Slumgullion and American goulash are very similar. Both typically feature ground beef, pasta, and a tomato-based sauce. The names and exact ingredients vary by family and region, and some versions include cheese while others do not.
Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the cheddar cheese. You’ll still have a hearty, flavorful beef and tomato pasta dish.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Elbow macaroni, rotini, and small penne are great alternatives. Just monitor the cooking time and add extra broth if needed.
Why is my Slumgullion too thick?
The pasta may have absorbed more liquid than expected. Stir in a little warm beef broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Can I prepare Slumgullion ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3–4 days. Add a splash of liquid when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta just until tender, stir occasionally, and remove the pot from the heat once it’s done. Avoid leaving the finished dish simmering for too long.
Bring Comfort to Your Dinner Table
Some of the best family dinners are the simplest ones, and this cheesy, hearty pasta proves exactly that.
With savory ground beef, tender pasta shells, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheddar, every spoonful delivers classic homemade comfort.
It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and perfect for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Give this Homemade Slumgullion Recipe a try for your next family dinner, and don’t forget to save it for those nights when comfort food is calling!
More Easy and Comforting Dinner Recipes to Try
If you loved this Homemade Slumgullion Recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore more hearty, cheesy, and family-friendly meals! Whether you’re craving another delicious ground beef dinner or an easy one-pot comfort food recipe, these favorites are perfect for your weekly meal plan:
- Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce – A rich, creamy, and satisfying ground beef pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole – A comforting, cheesy beef casserole packed with flavor and wholesome cauliflower.
- Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole – A hearty, cheesy casserole that’s sure to become a family dinner favorite.
- One-Pot French Onion Pasta – A cozy, flavorful pasta dinner featuring rich onion flavors and the convenience of one-pot cooking.
⭐ Loved this Homemade Slumgullion Recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a 5-star rating below if you enjoyed it, and share your experience in the comments. Your reviews help other home cooks discover delicious, easy recipes for their families!
Homemade Slumgullion Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Slumgullion Recipe is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting one-pot dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy American comfort food is budget-friendly, family-approved, and ready in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
2 cups beef broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the browned beef and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional shredded cheese if desired. Serve warm for a delicious, comforting family dinner.
Notes
Best Beef: Use 85–90% lean ground beef for a flavorful dish without excessive grease.
Pasta Options: Substitute medium shells with elbow macaroni, rotini, or small penne. Adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.
Cheese Tip: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Extra Vegetables: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Sauce Consistency: If the mixture becomes too thick while cooking, add a splash of beef broth or water.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Reheating: Add a little broth or water and reheat until thoroughly hot (165°F).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 1½ cups)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1220 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg