Easy Slumgullion Recipe (American Goulash)

Slumgullion (also known as American Goulash, American Chop-Suey, or Beefaroni) is a classic -and incredibly cheap – comfort meal. But make no mistake, this slumgullion recipe is anything BUT cheap-tasting. Who knew basic ingredients like pasta, ground beef, onion, and tomato sauce could make such an easy, delicious dinner?

What is Slumgullion?

If you’ve heard of American Goulash, American Chop Suey, or Beefaroni – then you know what slumgullion is. The word slumgullion literally means “cheap meat stew”. The slumgullion recipe typically includes pasta (usually macaroni elbows), ground beef, and tomato-based sauce.

What’s the Difference between American Goulash and Hungarian Goulash?

This slumgullion recipe makes a delicious American Goulash. But before we start, keep in mind that American Goulash is NOT the same as the Hungarian Goulash you might find at restaurants.

In its most basic recipe, slumgullion is made out of beef, macaroni, and some sort of a red sauce. Hungarian Goulash, however, is the dish that features slow-simmered beef chunks in a paprika sauce.

But.. if you’re here for a classic American comfort food, you’re in the right place.

Let’s start!

What You Need to Make Slumgullion

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 lb pasta, cooked (I used penne, but you can use macaroni or any other types of pasta)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 (14 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp bouillon, chicken or beef
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp rosemary
• salt and pepper, as needed
• 1 tbsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make Slumgullion

1. In a large non-stick pot, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Once hot, add in onions and saute until fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, rosemary, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Stir up the ground beef with your spatula to break it into chunks, and stir until meat is fully cooked.
3. Mix in the tomato sauce and bouillon. Reduce the heat to low, and mix to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for 5-7 minutes. Turn off the heat.
4. Add in the cooked pasta and stir the mixture to combine.
5. You can serve the slumgullion as is at this point, or you can mix in the cheddar cheese.
6. Sprinkle some chopped parsley and the slumgullion is ready to serve. ENJOY!

Looking For More Comfort Food Recipes?

• Super Easy Quaker Cornbread
• Qdoba Grilled Chicken ( Copycat Recipe )
• 1-Pot Vegan Cauliflower Curry (GF, DF, VG)
• The BEST Copycat Chick Fil A Cookie Recipe
• Baked Parmesan Zucchini (GF, V)
• Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup (GF, DF)
• Extra Cheesy Hot Nacho Dip (GF, V)
• Cinnamon Swirl Pound Cake

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