Easy Slumgullion Stew (American Goulash)

Slumgullion, sometimes called an American Goulash or an American chop suey, is a hearty savory stew made with ground beef, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful tomato-based broth. The ground beef adds a rich, meaty flavor to the stew, while the vegetables and egg noodles add texture and depth. The tomato-based broth is seasoned with herbs and spices for a savory, aromatic flavor and simple recipe.

You might also enjoy trying an old fashion beef stew recipe, a classic short rib stew or my popular and easy beef stroganoff. Another great stew made with ground beef is my tasty and simple cowboy stew recipe or this old fashioned meatball stew recipe.

Slumgullion stew in yellow dutch oven with black serving spoon.

This easy comfort food dinner recipe is straight from the back of an old envelope my mom wrote out for me years ago!

I always have a diced peppers and onion mix in my freezer and ground beef. It’s even better the next day!

Main Ingredients Notes

The recipe card at the bottom of the post includes the full list of ingredients, detailed instructions, and recipe notes.

Ground beef,noodles, tomamtoes and seasoning to make slumgullion stew.

Ground Beef: I generally use 80/20 lean ground beef, which can add flavor and moisture to the stew. It may also be less expensive than leaner cuts of beef. However, when using leaner ground beef, the stew can sometimes lack the richness and depth of flavor you get from fattier beef. If you substitute ground turkey, you may need to increase the seasoning to bring out the flavor.
Seasonings: The salt brings out the flavor of the ingredients, and the combination of pepper, oregano, and basil adds complexity. An Italian seasoning mix works well and makes it even easier.
Garlic: Fresh-pressed or minced garlic is my first choice; however, chunky garlic paste works, and if you don’t have it available, the backup is to use ground garlic powder (not garlic salt).
Bell Pepper and Onion: I use green bell pepper and brown onions. Red or a combination of bell peppers makes a nice presentation.
Sauce: The sauce is tomato-based with a combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce with added beef broth and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor. You can make this less saucy using fresh diced tomatoes or draining the canned tomatoes. You can substitute stewed tomatoes. Also, ketchup or thinned tomato paste can be used instead of tomato sauce
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta when making Slumgullion stew, but I prefer using an egg noodle. You can also use a Rotini or Penne pasta. The stew is also delicious without pasta and instead served over rice.

Recipe Directions

Step One: To avoid mushy noodles, cook the egg noodles “al dente” per package instructions.

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Step Two: In a large skillet or dDutch oven, cook the ground beef until fully cooked and browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef. Drain off any excess grease.

Cooked ground beef with onions and green peppers in dutch oven.

Step Three: Add the diced onion, green peppers, and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Tip: add a dash of onion powder.

Step Four: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire, basil, oregano, and salt and pepper to the beef mixture and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Dutch oven of cooked slumgullion with large black serving spoon.

Step Five: Stir in the egg noodles or other cooked pasta and mix to coat with the sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Slumgullion stew is delicious and served with a basket of warm, crusty bread.
A fresh, crisp salad is a great way to balance out the hearty flavors of slumgullion stew. Try a classic green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Roasted vegetables are a tasty side dish that pairs well with this stew. Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes go especially well with slumgullion.

Recipe Notes

Always drain off the excess fat right after you browned the beef and before adding in the onions and peppers.

What is Slumgullion Irish Stew?

Irish slumgullion is a term that is sometimes used to describe a type of traditional Irish stew that is made with lamb or beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, and other vegetables. This type of slumgullion may also be referred to as “Irish stew” or simply “stew” in Ireland.

What is Hungarian Slumgullion Stew?

The Hungarian version, also known as goulash or Hungarian goulash, is a traditional Hungarian dish that typically consists of chunks of beef, onions, and paprika, as well as other vegetables and spices such as garlic, caraway seeds, and bell peppers. The stew is usually cooked low and slow in a pot or Dutch oven until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

How to Store Leftovers

Let the stew cool down to room temperature. The stew can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat the stew, transfer it to a pot and warm it up over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish.

Common Questions

Can I use other types of vegetables?

Yes, in addition to onions and bell peppers, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or frozen peas.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown, the ground beef and vegetables in a heavy skillet, then transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, except pasta, to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the macaroni during the last 30 minutes of cooking and cook until the macaroni is fully cooked.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, Elbow macaroni is a traditional choice, but you can also use other types of pasta, such as Rotini , Penne or Egg Noodles.

What’s the difference between Goulash and Slumgullion?

While both are meat stews, Goulash is a paprika-spiced Hungarian dish that is thicker and more complex in flavor, while Slumgullion is a simpler, more rustic dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, and sometimes potatoes.