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Slumgullion brings back warm memories of family get-togethers and simple beginnings. This filling mix of pasta, ground beef, and flavorful tomato sauce has kept families full for years. It shows that the most comforting meals don't need expensive items or tricky steps.
I brought this to a gathering just weeks ago, and a few folks wanted to know how to make it. There's something special about these basic ingredients turning into such a tasty meal.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Lean ground beef: Gives just the right taste without too much fat
- Elbow macaroni: The tried-and-true pasta that grabs all that tasty sauce
- Fresh garlic: Makes a tasty base for everything else
- Sweet onions: Brings natural sugar flavors as they soften up
- Quality tomato sauce: Creates the heart of this homey dish
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Step-by-Step Process
- Vegetable Base:
- Get those onions and peppers soft and smelling good before moving on.
- Meat Preparation:
- Cook that ground beef until you see some nice brown spots that's where you'll find the tastiest bits.
- Flavor Blend:
- Pour in tomatoes and broth, giving everything time to mix and mingle together.
- Noodle Integration:
- Cook the pasta directly in the mixture so it soaks up all those amazing flavors.
- Cheese Addition:
- Mix in the cheddar and watch it spread beautiful streaks throughout your dish.
When I was little, my grandma would whip this up whenever the family came around. She always added a tiny bit of sugar to balance out the tomatoes' tang it's now my little trick too.
Tasty Companions
Try it with a basic green salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut the richness. Don't skip the garlic bread it's perfect for wiping up sauce. Want more veggies? Throw some oven-roasted broccoli on the side for good balance.
Custom Touches
I often use half Italian sausage instead of all beef for more flavor. Toss in some fresh spinach at the end for color and goodness. If you like spicy food, add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Storage Smarts
Put any extras in a sealed container it'll taste even better tomorrow. The pasta will soak up sauce overnight, so when you warm it up, add a little beef broth to get back that nice saucy texture.
Second-Day Enjoyment
Warm it up slowly on your stove, stirring now and then so nothing sticks. Throw some fresh cheese on top just before you eat to bring back that lovely melty goodness.
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I've made this dish countless times and learned that straightforward comfort food really brings folks together. Whether it's just a regular weeknight or a big gathering, there's something about a pot of slumgullion that makes everyone feel right at home. It's not fancy, but when you want something warming and cozy, it's just what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can this be prepped earlier?
- Sure, but the macaroni might soak up more sauce. Add a bit of broth when reheating to adjust.
- → Which cheese tastes best here?
- Sharp cheddar is the usual pick, but mild cheddar or a mix like Monterey Jack works too.
- → Is this freezable?
- Yes, though pasta may soften. Let it cool first, freeze, and eat within 3 months.
- → Can other pasta shapes work?
- Absolutely, small shapes like rotini or shells are great. Watch the cook time on the package.
- → What do bay leaves do?
- They give the sauce a more layered flavor. Don’t forget to fish them out before eating.