This Slumgullion is the ultimate comfort food born from hard times—but loved through generations. With just four humble ingredients, it delivers a hearty, tomato-rich stew of ground beef and tender elbow macaroni that’s deeply satisfying, incredibly affordable, and effortlessly made in the slow cooker.
Inspired by your grandpa’s kitchen wisdom, this one-pot wonder proves that simple doesn’t mean bland—it means soulful, nourishing, and full of warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🥩 Only 4 ingredients—pantry staples!
⏱️ 10 minutes prep, then walk away
💛 One slow cooker = easy cleanup
💸 Costs under $7—feeds 6 generously
👨👩👧👦 Kid-approved and freezer-friendly
Ingredients You’ll Need
(6-quart slow cooker)
1½ lbs (680g) ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1½ cups (6 oz) uncooked elbow macaroni
1. Brown the Base (Optional but Recommended)
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer to slow cooker. (Or skip this step and add raw beef + onion directly—still delicious!)
2. Simmer Low & Slow
- Stir in tomato sauce and 1½ cups water (or beef broth for extra richness).
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
3. Add Pasta at the End
- 30–45 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Cover and continue cooking until pasta is tender.
4. Serve Warm
- Season with freshly ground black pepper.
- Top with grated cheddar or Parmesan if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- 🥗 Simple sides:
- Tossed green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed frozen peas, carrots, or green beans
- 🍞 For soaking up juices:
- Buttered toast, cornbread, or saltine crackers
- 🧃 Drink pairings:
- Cold milk, iced tea, or root beer
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps up to 4 days—flavor deepens overnight!
- Freeze: Freeze without pasta (add fresh when reheating) or freeze fully cooked for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Gently on stove or in microwave—add a splash of water or broth if thick.
