A budget-friendly, old-fashioned comfort dish, Slumgullion (often called American goulash) is hearty, filling, and incredibly easy. This slow cooker version uses just 4 simple ingredients—perfect for busy days or meal prep.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 4–6 hours (LOW) or 2–3 hours (HIGH)
- Total: Up to 6 hours
🍳 Equipment
- Slow cooker / Crockpot
- Skillet (for browning beef)
- Spoon or spatula
🥩 Ingredients (4 Ingredients Only)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or canned crushed tomatoes)
- 2 cups beef broth
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Use lean (80/20 or 85/15) to avoid excess grease
- Tomato sauce: Can swap with marinara for extra flavor
- Beef broth: Adds richness—water + bouillon works too
- Macaroni: Add later to prevent mushiness
👩🍳 Instructions
- Brown the Beef
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat. - Add to Slow Cooker
Transfer beef to slow cooker. Add tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well. - Cook
Cover and cook:- LOW: 4–5 hours
- HIGH: 2–3 hours
- Add Pasta
Stir in uncooked macaroni during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking. - Finish & Serve
Once pasta is tender, give it a final stir and serve hot.
🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 15g
💡 Tips for Perfect Slumgullion
- Don’t add pasta too early—it can get soggy
- Add a splash of water if it thickens too much
- Stir once or twice after adding pasta for even cooking
🔄 Variations
- Cheesy Version: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar at the end
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or hot sauce
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers or onions
- Keto Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles (add at the end)
✔️ Final Thoughts
This 4-ingredient slow cooker Slumgullion is the definition of simple comfort food—rich, hearty, and perfect for feeding a family on a budget.
