Slumgullion is one of those practical, comforting meals with roots in budget-minded home cooking, and this slow cooker version keeps that spirit intact with just a handful of pantry staples. Here, dry elbow macaroni cooks right in the sauce with raw ground beef, creating a soft, savory, old-fashioned supper that feels especially fitting for busy summer days when you want dinner handled with minimal effort.
This dish is satisfying on its own, but it pairs nicely with a crisp green salad, buttered green beans, sliced cucumbers, or simple toasted bread for scooping up the tomato-rich sauce. If you want to round it out for a larger family meal, serve it with coleslaw or a plate of fresh tomato slices and a little black pepper.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Depression Era Slumgullion
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cups dry elbow macaroni
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups water
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread the raw ground beef across the bottom, breaking it into small chunks. Scatter the chopped onion evenly over the beef.
2. Pour the dry elbow macaroni over the beef and onion. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, salt, pepper, and water. Stir gently but thoroughly so the pasta is coated and mostly submerged in liquid.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once or twice if your schedule allows, until the beef is fully cooked and the macaroni is tender. If the mixture looks too thick near the end, stir in a small splash of water.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then spoon into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Make It More Traditional: If you prefer a looser, soupier slumgullion, add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of water during cooking. Older versions of the dish often landed somewhere between a pasta skillet and a hearty stew.
Add a Little Cheese: While the five-ingredient spirit keeps things simple, a handful of shredded cheddar stirred in at the end makes the texture creamier and gives the casserole a classic mid-century supper feel.
Watch the Pasta: Slow cookers can vary, and macaroni can go from tender to overly soft fairly quickly. Start checking around the 3-hour mark, especially if your slow cooker runs hot.
Stretch the Meal: For a thriftier family-style dinner, stir in a can of drained kidney beans or a little extra tomato sauce and serve smaller portions with salad and bread. It keeps the nostalgic character while feeding a few more people.