This is the ultimate in retro comfort food. “Slumgullion” is a classic American term for a simple, inexpensive, one-pot meal—usually involving ground beef, pasta, and tomato. By using a slow cooker and just four ingredients, you get a hearty, no-fuss dinner that tastes like it simmered all day (because it did!).
Here is a recipe for Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Slumgullion.
The Concept
This recipe relies on pantry staples. The “4 ingredients” are the core components:
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Ground Beef: The hearty base.
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Tomato Soup: Creates a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet sauce without needing multiple tomato products.
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Macaroni: The classic pasta choice that soaks up all the flavor.
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Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the dish for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Note: Water and seasonings are considered pantry staples, so they don’t count toward the “4 ingredients,” but you’ll need them!
Ingredients
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1 lb Ground Beef
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1 can (10.5 oz) Condensed Tomato Soup (Do not dilute)
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2 cups Water (use the soup can to measure)
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2 cups Elbow Macaroni (uncooked)
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1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
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Salt and Pepper to taste (essential for bringing out the flavors)
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef (Crucial Step)
While you could throw raw beef in the slow cooker, for the best flavor, you must brown it first.
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In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
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Drain off any excess grease.
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Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
2. Combine the Base
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To the slow cooker with the beef, add the can of tomato soup.
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Fill the empty soup can with water twice (about 2 cups) and add it to the pot. (Using the can to measure rinses out every bit of soup!).
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Stir everything together until the soup is dissolved into the water.
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Season generously with salt and pepper. (Underseasoning is the only risk with such simple ingredients).
3. Slow Cook
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld.
4. Add the Pasta
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About 30-40 minutes before you want to eat, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
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Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
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Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for 30-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.
5. Add Cheese and Serve
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Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the slow cooker.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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Put the lid back on for 5 minutes to let the cheese melt.
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Stir everything together until the cheese is melted into the sauce, creating a creamy, comforting dish. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
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Don’t add the pasta too early: If you add the macaroni at the beginning, it will absorb all the liquid and turn into a mushy, gummy mess. The 30-40 minute window is key.
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Creamier Version: For an ultra-creamy slumgullion, stir in ½ cup of milk or heavy cream along with the cheese at the end.
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Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some vegetables, add a cup of frozen peas or corn along with the pasta in the last 30 minutes. They’ll heat through perfectly.
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Use a Different Pasta: Shells, rotini, or ditalini work just as well as elbows.
What is Slumgullion?
The name might be funny, but the dish is serious comfort. It was a Great Depression-era staple, designed to feed a family with minimal ingredients. This slow cooker version makes it even easier.
Enjoy your comforting, no-fuss dinner