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.
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 as well as ground beef. Its 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 the recipe notes.
- 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. When using leaner ground beef, the stew can sometimes lack the richness and depth of flavor you get from fattier beef. If substituting 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 flavor 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 then the back up is to use ground garlic powder, (not garlic salt).
- Bell Pepper and Onion: I use a 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 by 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, Penne. 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.
Step Two: In a large skillet or dutch oven, cook the ground beef until fully cooked and browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef. Drain off any excess grease.
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.
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 through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish.
Common Questions
Yes, in addition to onions and bell peppers, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or frozen peas.
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.
Yes, Elbow macaroni is a traditional choice, but you can also use other types of pasta, such as Rotini ,Penne or Egg Noodles.
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.
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Slumgullion Stew
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry egg noodles
- ¾ pound ground beef
- ¼ medium onion diced
- ½ medium bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅕ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles "al dente" per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off the excess grease.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the egg noodles to the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the Slumgullion for 3-5 minutes, until the noodles are heated.
- Serve the Slumgullion hot, with grated cheese and chopped fresh herbs as optional toppings.
Notes
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 slumgullion stew. Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes go especially well with slumgullion.