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