One Pot Slumgullion (American Goulash) Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s super easy to whip up any day of the week, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love this One Pot Slumgullion (American Goulash) Recipe because it brings together hearty beef, tender pasta, and tangy tomato sauce all in one pot—meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe never disappoints.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the One Pot Slumgullion (American Goulash) Recipe plays a key role in building those classic, comforting flavors. When you shop, aim for lean ground beef to keep it hearty without too much grease, and fresh veggies for that vibrant bite.

• Olive oil: Just enough to brown the beef and add a subtle fruity note.
• Lean ground beef (90% lean or more): Less grease means a cleaner finish; I like to mash it well for tiny crumbles that soak up the sauce.
• Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth; I cut mine fairly small for even cooking.
• Green bell pepper, diced: Brings freshness and a slight earthiness that balances the tomato’s acidity.
• Garlic powder: Easy way to layer in garlic flavor without the fuss of mincing.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that gives the dish a cozy herby base.
• Seasoned salt: A great shortcut to add balanced seasoning depth.
• Crushed tomatoes (28 oz. can): The star of the sauce, robust and tangy.
• Beef broth: Keeps everything moist and lends an umami punch.
• Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for richness and complexity.
• Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for slurpy, saucy bites.
• Brown sugar (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness that mellows the tomato’s acidity if needed.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that creamy finish.
• Green onions (optional): Freshness and mild onion zing on top.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick if you like heat.

Variations

This One Pot Slumgullion (American Goulash) Recipe is really versatile—I often tinker with it depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family is craving. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner, lighter twist that still holds all that comforting flavor.
• Veggie-packed: I sometimes add mushrooms or diced zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
• Spicy Slumgullion: Toss in fresh jalapeños or more crushed red pepper flakes when you want to turn up the heat.
• Cheese swaps: Sharp cheddar is classic, but provolone or mozzarella bring a different creamy vibe.

How to Make One Pot Slumgullion (American Goulash) Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat to Perfection

Start by heating a teaspoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it brown, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. I discovered that using a potato masher during the last minute really helps break the beef into tiny bits, which means every inch of this dish is full of those meaty flavors. Don’t forget to sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder while the beef is cooking to build that base.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Give Them a Quick Sauté

Once the beef is mostly browned, toss in your diced onions and green bell peppers. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This keeps the veggies crisp-tender and brings out their natural sweetness that complements the savory beef perfectly.

Step 3: Pour in the Saucy Goodness

Now it’s time to add your crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir everything together really well, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to low. Cover your pot and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Remember to stir it often—this really helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and burning. If it looks like the liquid is evaporating too quickly, feel free to add a splash of water or broth.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Finish Strong

Once your macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened nicely, turn off the heat. If you’re using it, stir in the brown sugar to mellow out the acidity from the tomatoes. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pot and cover for a minute or two until the cheese melts into a luscious, gooey finish. I love this part because it adds that creamy richness everyone craves in a good goulash.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve immediately and watch your family dig in—I promise they’ll be asking for this One Pot Slumgullion (American Goulash) Recipe again in no time.

How to Serve One Pot Slumgullion (American Goulash) Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with green onions and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes because they add freshness and a subtle zing that lifts the whole dish. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of sour cream or a handful of fresh chopped parsley can be delicious too.

Side Dishes

Because the slumgullion itself is so filling, simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed veggies work perfectly. Sometimes I serve it with garlic bread when we’re craving something extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, I’ve served this dish in mini cast-iron skillets at the table—it keeps everything hot and feel special. Another fun idea is to spoon it into baked bell peppers for a colorful twist that doubles as a side and bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, and the pasta soaks up even more sauce overnight. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I usually freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for busy days. It thaws well overnight in the fridge and reheats nicely without losing too much texture—just add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just cover and stir halfway through to avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Slumgullion (American Goulash) Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the kind of no-fuss meal that never feels like a shortcut. It’s hearty, cozy, and just plain satisfying—perfect for feeding a hungry family or comforting yourself on a chilly evening. I really hope you give it a try and make it your own. Once you do, I bet you’ll keep coming back to it as one of those all-time favorite dinners.

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