Quick Dinners

One-Pot Slumgullion American Goulash

Classic nostalgic comfort food made with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, sweet corn, and a bubbly blanket of melted cheddar.

October 7, 2026 By Chef Clara 4.98 (225 votes)
One-Pot Slumgullion American Goulash
The Quick Takeaway

In a nutshell: This authentic american one-pot slumgullion american goulash comes together in just 35 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Cooking elbow macaroni directly in the tomato-beef broth releases starches that create an . Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Cuisine American
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Ranked Allrecipes' #1 most-saved recipe this week, this One-Pot Slumgullion American Goulash is the quintessential vintage comfort dinner. Tender elbow macaroni noodles cook directly in a savory tomato and beef broth packed with browned ground beef, sweet corn, bell peppers, and garlic, then get blanketed under a golden layer of melted sharp cheddar cheese. Ready in 35 minutes with just one pot to wash.

Key Equipment

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  • Large 12-inch deep cast iron skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon

Chef's Pro-Tips

  • Cook pasta right in the skillet: Cooking elbow macaroni directly in the tomato-beef broth releases starches that create an unctuously thick, velvety sauce.
  • Grate your own cheese: Block cheddar melts smoothly into an oozy cheese blanket, unlike bagged shredded cheese which contains anti-clumping cellulose.
  • Adjust liquid as needed: Keep a cup of warm beef broth handy while pasta cooks; if it absorbs liquid too fast, add a splash so the noodles cook evenly.

Ingredients
6 servings

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (85/15), or ground chuck
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, smooth and rich
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 3 cups beef bone broth, low sodium
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, thyme
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, for deep umami
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika and garlic powder, for flavor depth
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for bubbling topping
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Brown Beef & Aromatics

Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking meat into crumbles, until browned. Drain excess fat.

2

Add Seasonings & Garlic

Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3

Add Liquid & Pasta

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, beef bone broth, Worcestershire sauce, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring mixture to a rolling boil.

4

Simmer until Al Dente

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until macaroni is tender and sauce is thick and saucy. Stir in sweet corn.

5

Melt Cheese Blanket & Serve

Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Cover with lid for 2-3 minutes (or place under the broiler) until cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot straight from the skillet!

Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks

Kitchen Essentials

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#2 in Baking Sheets

Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack

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Amazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll

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Woodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc

Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.

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OXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"

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Ultra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2

Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

American Slumgullion is a vintage retro variation of American Goulash featuring elbow macaroni, ground beef, tomatoes, sweet corn, and lots of melted cheddar cheese.

Yes! Lean ground turkey or ground pork works wonderfully with the rich savory tomato seasonings.

Yes! Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of beef broth to restore sauciness.