Replace the lid and turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Cook for 25 to 35 minutes, opening once halfway through to stir and check that the pasta is cooking evenly and not sticking together at the bottom. The slumgullion is ready when the elbow macaroni is tender but still has a slight bite to it — not mushy or overcooked. The finished dish should be thick, richly saucy, and bubbling gently, with every piece of pasta beautifully coated in the deep red tomato sauce. If the mixture has thickened more than you like, stir in a small splash of hot water and cook uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 7: Taste, Adjust, and Serve
Give the entire pot one final thorough stir, taste, and make any last adjustments to the seasoning. Ladle the hot slumgullion directly from the slow cooker into bowls and serve immediately while it is steaming and aromatic. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper over each bowl adds a nice finishing touch, and a small handful of shredded cheese — cheddar, parmesan, or whatever you have on hand — melted on top transforms each serving into something that feels genuinely indulgent.
What to Serve Alongside Slumgullion
Slumgullion is a complete, filling meal entirely on its own — and that is exactly how Depression-era families ate it. But if you want to round out the table, a few simple additions work beautifully without compromising the budget-friendly spirit of the dish. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar brings freshness and color to the meal. Steamed or roasted frozen vegetables on the side add nutritional value at minimal cost. Buttered toast, warm cornbread, or even plain saltine crackers are all excellent for scooping up the extra tomatoey sauce from the bottom of the bowl. My grandfather always said a thick slice of bread with this dish was the only accompaniment you truly needed, and I have found no reason to argue with him on that point.
Variations and Practical Tips
The four-ingredient heart of this recipe — ground beef, onion, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni — is the true Depression-era version, and it needs nothing more to be completely satisfying. But there are a few practical variations and tips worth knowing as you make it your own:
