Slow cooker slumgullion is the kind of dinner that saves your evening before it even starts. You dump everything in before the school run, and by the time everyone’s home and starving, the whole kitchen smells like a Hungarian grandmother has been cooking all day.
I grew up eating something close to this at Dad’s little eatery by the traveler’s station. He called it “the stew,” never anything fancier, and people still ask Emily and me if we remember his recipe. This slow cooker version isn’t identical to his, but it’s close enough that making it always feels a little like visiting him again.
If you love dump-and-go dinners as much as I do, you’ll probably also like our One-Pot Beefaroni, which has that same cozy, meat-and-pasta comfort food energy.
Why You’ll Love This Slumgullion
This slumgullion recipe checks every box for a busy weeknight. It takes just five minutes to throw together in the morning, and the slow cooker handles the rest while you’re at work, running errands, or chasing kids around.
The ground turkey keeps things lighter without sacrificing flavor, and you don’t even have to brown it first. The macaroni cooks right in the pot during the last half hour, so there’s no extra pan to wash. My daughters ask for seconds every time we make it, and it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are never a problem in my house.
Ingredients for Slumgullion
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and I always keep these ingredients stocked because slumgullion has become one of those meals I fall back on when the week gets chaotic.
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- ยฝ large onion, diced (about ยฝ cup)
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ยฝ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
I use ground turkey here because it lets you skip browning the meat, which is honestly half the reason this recipe is so easy. If you’d rather use ground beef, that works too, but I’d recommend browning it first so the finished dish doesn’t taste greasy.
The beef broth might look like it will make the sauce too thin, but don’t worry about that. It’s there to cook the macaroni during the last thirty minutes, and everything thickens up once the noodles are stirred in. Any small pasta shape works in place of elbow macaroni, but I’d steer clear of anything larger like penne or rigatoni since it won’t cook evenly in the slow cooker.
How to Make Slumgullion
The key here is patience with the pasta. Add it too early and it turns to mush, but add it at the right time and it comes out perfectly tender.
- Add the ground turkey, diced bell pepper, diced onion, canned tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the dry macaroni noodles. Cover and continue cooking until the noodles are soft.
- Once the noodles are fully cooked, stir the slumgullion well to combine everything.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook just until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
- Spoon into bowls, serve warm, and enjoy.
Here’s the thing: resist opening the lid while it cooks. Every time you lift it, heat and steam escape, and that adds extra cooking time you don’t need. I also like to dice my bell pepper and onion the night before, which shaves a few minutes off my morning routine.
A common mistake is adding the pasta too soon. If you toss it in with everything else at the start, it’ll break down into mush by dinnertime. Wait until that thirty-minute mark and you’ll get noodles with the right bite.
What to Serve with Slumgullion
Slumgullion is a complete meal on its own, with meat, vegetables, and pasta all in one pot. But a few sides round out the table nicely if you’re feeding a crowd or just want something extra.
- Warm crusty bread for scooping up the sauce
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted green beans or carrots
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli
- A cold cucumber salad for contrast
- Sauteed zucchini or squash
If you’re looking for another cozy pasta bake to add to your rotation, our Best Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup has that same comforting, cheesy pull that goulash lovers tend to enjoy.
Pro Tips & Variations
I prefer 80/20 ground turkey when I can find it, along with fresh bell peppers and low-sodium broth so I can control the salt myself. Chopping your vegetables the night before really does save time on busy mornings.
A few variations worth trying: swap in ground chicken for the turkey, or use chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand. You can also stir in extra vegetables like red bell peppers, frozen corn, or green peas for more color and nutrition. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder along with the paprika.
Emily always says a little grated parmesan on top along with the cheddar takes the flavor up a notch, and I have to agree. If you love slow cooker comfort food, our Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is another great one to have in your back pocket for busy weeks.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftover slumgullion keeps well in an airtight, glass container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. In my kitchen, this is one of those meals that tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to settle.
It also freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave in one-minute increments, stirring between each, until it’s heated through. If the pasta has absorbed a lot of the sauce, a splash of broth when reheating helps loosen things back up.
Common Questions
Where did the name slumgullion come from?
The term dates back to around 1890, when it was used to describe a cheap meat stew or soup made from whatever ingredients were available.
Is slumgullion the same thing as goulash?
Yes. Slumgullion is another name for American goulash, Hungarian goulash, or American chop suey, depending on where you grew up.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
You can. I’d recommend browning it first so the finished dish doesn’t end up tasting greasy, since turkey is lean enough to skip that step.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, high for 4 to 5 hours works just as well as low for 6 to 8 hours, though I find the texture is best around the 6-hour mark on low.
Conclusion
This slumgullion recipe has earned its permanent spot in our house, and I hope it finds one in yours too. It’s the kind of dinner that takes almost no effort in the morning and rewards you with a warm, cheesy bowl of comfort by evening. For another simple dinner your family will ask for again, give our Hobo Casserole a try next.
Slow Cooker Slumgullion (Goulash)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the ground turkey, diced bell pepper, diced onion, canned tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Stir in the dry macaroni noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Cover and continue cooking until the noodles are soft.
- Once the noodles are fully cooked, stir the slumgullion well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Top the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and continue cooking just until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
- Spoon into serving bowls, serve warm, and enjoy.
