Slumgullion

Years ago when my sister and I were growing up, our father would occasionally prepare dinner.  He had two “signature” dishes.  We either got creamed chipped beef on toast (aka S.O.S.) or Slumgullion.  We did not have a choice but when we knew when he was cooking dinner we hoped and we prayed that we would get the Slumgullion.

Slumgullion is a warm, beefy, tomato based macaroni noodle stew with humble roots.  Many versions of this dish have been around for seventy five plus years.  You may also know this dish as American Goulash or Slumgull.  This version comes from my father who grew up during the great depression in Omaha, Nebraska.  His family did not have much money and this is what they often served at their dinner table during those rough times.  Slumgullion is amazingly simple, tastes really good, and can be easily made with ingredients you may already have.  I sometimes substitute ground bison for the beef for a leaner dish.  Enjoy!  Tessa

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 15 ounce can stewed tomatoes
• 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 8 ounce can tomato paste
• 2/3 c. tomato ketchup
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 c. water
• 8 oz. dried large elbow macaroni pasta
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tbs. canola oil

In large sauté pan add canola oil and onion.  Cook the onion until opaque.  Add the ground beef and cook until lightly browned.  Add the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, garlic, oregano, chili powder, water, salt and pepper to taste.  Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes.   Stirring occasionally.  Cook pasta to the manufacturers direction (about 6 minutes).  Drain.  Add macaroni pasta and simmer for about 10 more minutes.  Ladle into bowls.  Serves 4 – 5 people.