Description
One Pot Slumgullion is a comforting American goulash featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce all cooked together in one pot for easy preparation and hearty taste. This dish combines aromatic spices, vegetables, and cheddar cheese for a satisfying family meal that’s quick to make and perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef (90% lean or more)
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1/4″ dice, approximately 1 cup)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (about 1/4″ dice)
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 tsp brown sugar (optional, to taste)
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Green onions, for serving
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Brown Meat: In a large skillet or pot with deep sides, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned about 3-5 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. For finer meat texture, use a potato masher during the last minute to break meat into very small bits.
- Add Veggies: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the browned beef. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the vegetables.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and add the elbow macaroni. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook gently for 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Finish the Dish: Turn off the heat. Stir in brown sugar if using to balance acidity. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pot for about a minute to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with chopped green onions and crushed red pepper flakes if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a potato masher to break up the ground beef finely for a better texture.
- Stir frequently during simmering to avoid pasta sticking.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity or omit depending on tomato acidity and personal taste.
- Use lean beef to reduce fat in the dish.
- Optional garnishes add extra flavor and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
