Hearty Slumgullion (Goulash) Recipe: Cozy Slow Cooker Magic

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty slow cooker slumgullion recipe that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Ground beef simmers gently with tender pasta and rich tomato sauce, creating a meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Every spoonful delivers robust flavors reminiscent of traditional home cooking.

The slow cooker works its magic, melding ingredients into a delectable one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort.

Families adore this classic dish for its simplicity and incredible taste.

Minimal prep, maximum flavor – this slumgullion transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Prepare to be delighted by this nostalgic, comforting recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

How to Reheat and Store Goulash With Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavors and texture.
• Transfer cooled slumgullion to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour leftovers into saucepan. Add small amount of broth or water to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated completely. Takes about 5-7 minutes for even reheating.

Serving Suggestions for This One-Pot Wonder

• Savor Complementary Flavor Boosters: Rich red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly balances the hearty goulash's robust tomato and meat profile.
• Pair with Zesty Side Salad: Create a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness, adding refreshing brightness and lightening the meal's heaviness.
• Elevate with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up extra sauce, providing delightful textural contrast and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top to introduce a vibrant, aromatic element that lifts the entire dish's flavor complexity.

Ways to Put a New Twist on Slumgullion

• Vegetarian Slumgullion: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitute instead of cheddar, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy the hearty meal.

FAQs

• What is slumgullion?

A hearty American stew-like dish that originated with miners and cowboys, typically made with ground meat, pasta, and tomato sauce. It’s a one-pot comfort meal that’s filling and easy to prepare.

• Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef is the traditional meat for slumgullion. Simply swap the ground turkey with ground beef in the same quantity. The recipe will work perfectly with either meat.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains pasta and isn’t gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to substitute the regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour.

• How spicy is this dish?

This slumgullion is mild and kid-friendly. The paprika and Italian seasoning provide flavor without heat. If you want more kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Why Slumgullion Is the Ultimate Comfort Stew

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic with minimal hands-on preparation, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Packed with lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, and tomatoes, this dish delivers a balanced meal in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Cheesy, hearty, and satisfying, this slumgullion appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a simple meal into a family favorite with its rich, comforting flavors.
• Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable to different dietary needs.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Goulash (Slumgullion)

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein that provides the base for this hearty dish.
• Macaroni Noodles: Classic pasta that adds substance and absorbs the flavorful sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty topping that adds creamy texture and depth of flavor.

• Bell Pepper, Onion: Fresh vegetables that contribute sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the goulash base.

• Beef Broth, Tomato Paste: Create a rich, savory foundation for the slow-cooked meal.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Slumgullion the Easy Way

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

Toss ground turkey, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and seasonings into the slow cooker.

Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well mixed and evenly distributed.

This initial blend will create a rich, flavorful foundation for the dish.

• Ground turkey
• Diced bell pepper
• Chopped onion
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Slow Cook The Mixture

Cover the slow cooker and let the ingredients simmer.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 4-5 hours.

This extended cooking time allows flavors to meld and meat to become incredibly tender.

Step 3: Incorporate Pasta

Thirty minutes before serving, add dry macaroni noodles directly into the slow cooker.

Stir gently to ensure pasta is submerged in the liquid.

If the mixture appears too thick, pour in additional broth to maintain desired consistency.

Step 4: Melt Cheesy Topping

Once pasta reaches perfect tenderness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Cover and let cheese melt for approximately 5 minutes, creating a deliciously gooey layer.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot slumgullion into serving bowls.

Enjoy this comforting, hearty meal straight from the slow cooker.

Tips for Rich Flavor and Tender Pasta

• Swap ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different protein options and flavor variations.
• Use gluten-free macaroni or whole wheat noodles to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising taste.
• Keep extra broth nearby to adjust consistency if the mixture becomes too thick during cooking, ensuring a saucy and moist dish.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, pepper jack, or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles and melting textures.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create a more robust one-pot meal.

Slow Cooker Slumgullion (goulash) Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker slumgullion delivers comfort and nostalgia in one satisfying pot of classic American goodness. Rich beef, tender pasta, and savory tomato sauce combine for a simple meal that warms souls and brings families together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 large onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)

Canned and Pantry Ingredients:

• 2 14.5 ounces (411 grams) cans diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups (200 grams) dry elbow macaroni noodles

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cheese:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Combine ground turkey, bell pepper, onion, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in the slow cooker. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
2. Cover and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, allowing meat to become tender and flavors to meld together.
3. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce dry macaroni noodles directly into the slow cooker. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add extra broth if mixture appears too dense.
4. Once pasta reaches al dente texture, thoroughly blend all ingredients within the slow cooker.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface. Cover and let cheese melt completely for 3-5 minutes until it creates a smooth, glossy layer.
6. Transfer the hot goulash into serving bowls, ensuring each portion contains a balanced mix of meat, pasta, and sauce.
7. Serve immediately while still piping hot, enjoying the rich, comforting flavors of this hearty one-pot meal.

Notes

• Ground turkey provides a healthier alternative to traditional beef, reducing overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Bell peppers and onions add nutritional value, creating a more balanced one-pot meal with extra vitamins and minerals.
• Add macaroni near the end to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture, avoiding mushy noodles.
• Let shredded cheese sit covered for a few minutes to create a creamy, evenly distributed topping without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hour (on high) or 8 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg