Slumgullion is a hearty, comfort food dish that’s perfect for a slow cooker! It’s a one-pot meal often made with ground beef, vegetables, potatoes, and pasta, all simmered together in a savory broth. The beauty of Slumgullion is that it’s versatile, filling, and can be made with simple pantry ingredients.
Here’s a simple recipe for Slow Cooker Slumgullion:
Slow Cooker Slumgullion Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, etc.)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or any small pasta
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite cheese) — optional, for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Then, transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the Vegetables and Liquids:
- To the slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add the Pasta:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or other small pasta) to the slow cooker. Stir to incorporate.
- If needed, add a bit more broth or water to ensure the pasta cooks in enough liquid. Cover and cook for the remaining time, until the pasta is tender.
- Serve:
- Once everything is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the slumgullion hot, optionally topping with shredded cheese for extra richness and flavor.
Optional Variations:
- Add Beans: For extra protein and fiber, you can add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans to the mix.
- Spicy Kick: Add a bit of chili powder, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for some heat.
- Add Bell Peppers: Dice up some bell peppers for additional flavor and color.
- Use Ground Sausage: Swap out some or all of the ground beef with ground sausage for a different taste profile.
- Cheese Throughout: Mix shredded cheese directly into the slow cooker in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking for a cheesy, creamy version.
Tips for the Best Slumgullion:
- Even Cooking: Make sure the potatoes are cut into small, even cubes so they cook at the same rate as the other ingredients.
- Pasta Type: Small pasta like elbow macaroni, shell pasta, or rotini work best, as they absorb the flavors and fit nicely in the dish.
- Liquid Adjustments: If you find the dish too thick, add extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency before adding the pasta.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Slumgullion is a filling, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. It’s one of those dishes that gets better the longer it sits, as the flavors continue to meld together. Plus, it’s versatile—you can make it as simple or as loaded with extras as you like!
Serve it up with some crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. It’s great for leftovers, and if you make extra, it freezes well for future meals!
Enjoy your cozy, comforting meal! Let me know if you give it a try, or if you want other slow-cooker ideas!