Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Slumgullion
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Slumgullion (often called American Goulash) is the ultimate vintage comfort food, engineered for deep, savory “slow-simmered” flavor with almost zero active prep. By browning the ground beef and yellow onion together before they hit the slow cooker, you create a caramelized base that infuses the tomato sauce with a rich, meaty depth over several hours. The secret to the perfect texture is the “late-addition” pasta method, which ensures the elbow macaroni stays tender and distinct rather than becoming overcooked and mushy.
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Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Slumgullion
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Ground beef (80–90% lean) | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Tomato sauce (not paste or soup) | 2 cans (15 oz each) |
| Elbow macaroni (dry) | 2 cups |
| Yellow onion (large, finely diced) | 1 |
| Water (to adjust consistency) | 1/4 to 1 cup |
| Salt & Black pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: The Flavor Foundation: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion for 8–10 minutes.
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Tip: Do not rush this step! You want the beef to be deeply browned and the onions to be soft and translucent. Drain the excess fat, but leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan—this residual fat carries the onion flavor and adds richness to the final sauce.
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Step 2: The Low-and-Slow Simmer: Transfer the beef and onion mixture into a 5–7 quart slow cooker. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top. If the mixture looks very thick, stir in up to 1 cup of water to achieve a looser consistency.
Step 3: The Soulful Cook: Cover tightly and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours (or HIGH for 2–3 hours if you are in a rush).
Crucial Rule: Do not add the dry pasta during this stage! The sauce needs time to develop its “soul” before the starch is introduced.
Step 4: The Pasta Finish: About 30–40 minutes before you are ready to serve, stir in the dry elbow macaroni, pressing it gently into the sauce. If the sauce has thickened too much during the simmer, add another 1/4 cup of water. Cover and cook on HIGH for 25–35 minutes until the pasta is perfectly tender.
Step 5: The Essential Rest: Turn off the slow cooker and let the Slumgullion rest for 5 minutes.
Tip: This rest allows the pasta to finish absorbing the seasoned tomato juices, thickening the sauce into a glossy, hearty consistency that clings to every noodle.
