Comfort Food Your Family Will Crave

 Slumgullion Recipe: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food Your Family Will Crave

If you're searching for the perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick, affordable, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor, look no further than Slumgullion. Often described as a skillet version of chili mac, this deliciously nostalgic one-pot meal features savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, melted cheddar cheese, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table — fast.

Whether you grew up eating this comforting classic or you’re discovering it for the first time, this Slumgullion recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and ready in under 40 minutes — no complicated ingredients, just simple comfort food at its finest.

---

🛒 Ingredients for Slumgullion (with Purpose)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible dish — and why each ingredient matters:

2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps sauté the vegetables and brown the beef evenly while adding a subtle depth of flavor.

1 yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and a rich aromatic base that enhances the entire dish.

1 bell pepper, diced – Offers a pop of color and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the savory beef.

1 pound ground beef – The star protein; gives the dish its hearty, meaty base.

2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the sauce with robust flavor that makes everything taste better.

1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness and warmth to round out the flavors.

1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste) – Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish.

½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste) – Brings a touch of heat and complexity.

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce – Forms the rich, tangy base of the sauce.

2 cups beef broth – Adds depth and allows the pasta to cook directly in the sauce for maximum flavor.

1½ cups elbow macaroni (dry) – A classic choice; it soaks up the sauce and delivers the perfect bite.

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated – Melts into the final dish, creating a creamy, cheesy finish that’s simply irresistible.

1 bay leaf – Infuses the sauce with a subtle herbal aroma. Just don’t forget to remove it before serving.

---

👨‍🍳 How to Make Slumgullion (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Sauté the Aromatics & Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened.

Next, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink — about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Build the Sauce

Add the paprika, tomato sauce, beef broth, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook the Macaroni in the Sauce

Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the dry elbow macaroni. Turn the heat to medium, cover partially, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be al dente, and the sauce should be thickened.

> Pro Tip: Stir every 3–4 minutes to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Add the Cheese & Finish

Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

---

❤️ Why This Slumgullion Recipe Is So Loved

One pot = zero stress. Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.

Budget-friendly. Uses pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients.

Customizable. Add beans, hot sauce, or switch the cheese — it’s flexible.

Hearty and filling. Perfect for big appetites and leftovers are even better the next day.

---

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Complete your Slumgullion meal with these simple pairings:

Garlic Bread – For scooping up every last bit of that cheesy tomato sauce.

Green Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty pasta.

Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – To add some greens without stealing the spotlight.

Want a little heat? Top with sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

---

🔪 Pro Tips for the Best Slumgullion

Use sharp cheddar for bold, cheesy flavor that stands out.

Don’t overcook the pasta. It continues to cook a bit even after you remove it from the heat.

Make it ahead. Slumgullion reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep.

Prefer ground turkey or chicken? Go ahead and substitute — it’s still delicious!

---

⭐ Final Thoughts: Why You Need This Slumgullion in Your Recipe Repertoire

This Slumgullion recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner: simple, savory, satisfying, and packed with flavor and nostalgia. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort with every bite and leaves your kitchen smelling amazing.

Perfect for busy families, college students, or anyone craving a no-fuss, all-flavor dinner, this one-pot wonder is about to become your new go-to.

📌 Pin this recipe, share it, and don’t forget to come back for seconds — because one bowl is never enough.

---

Ready to make comfort food magic? Try this Slumgullion recipe tonight and taste why it’s stood the test of time.