Dinner

Slumgullion (Instant Pot Version)

This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen genius while secretly being easier than ordering takeout.

Picture this: tender elbow pasta swimming in a rich, savory tomato sauce with perfectly seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese, all created in your trusty Instant Pot without breaking a sweat.

The beauty of this slumgullion lies in its complete lack of pretension – it’s comfort food that doesn’t apologize for being exactly what your family craves on a busy weeknight.

One pot, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor payoff means you’ll actually have time to sit down and enjoy dinner instead of standing over the stove stirring constantly.

The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking “when will it be ready?” while you smugly set the timer and walk away.

This is proof that the best family recipes don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques – just good flavors working together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients

For the Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the Sauce

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Pasta and Finishing

2 cups elbow pasta
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics

1 Turn your Instant Pot to SAUTE mode and add the 2 tablespoons olive oil, heating until it shimmers and moves freely around the pot, about 2-3 minutes. The oil should be hot but not smoking – this ensures your onions will cook evenly without burning.
2 Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve lost their sharp bite and smell sweet and fragrant.

Brown the Meat

3 Add the 1 pound ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with your wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir frequently until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. The meat should be evenly cooked with a nice golden-brown color throughout.
4 Stir in the 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step intensifies the tomato flavor and creates a richer base for your sauce – don’t skip it even though it seems minor.

Build the Sauce

5 Press CANCEL to turn off the SAUTE function. Add the 15 oz can tomato sauce, 15 oz can diced tomatoes (including juices), 1 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
6 Add the 2 cups elbow pasta and gently stir to ensure all noodles are completely submerged in the liquid. If any pasta pieces are sticking above the surface, press them down gently with your spoon – exposed pasta won’t cook properly.

Pressure Cook

7 Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to SEALING. Select MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK HIGH for 6 minutes. The pot will take approximately 10 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking cycle begins – this is normal and expected.
8 When the cooking cycle completes, immediately perform a Quick Release by carefully turning the valve to VENTING. Once all steam has released and the float valve drops, remove the lid tilting it away from you to avoid any remaining steam.

Finish and Serve

9 Stir in the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated, creating a creamy, cohesive sauce that coats every piece of pasta. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without additional cooking.
10 Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best texture and flavor experience.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results):

Electric Pressure Cooker – An Instant Pot or similar multi-cooker makes this recipe foolproof with consistent results every time
Wooden Spoon – Perfect for stirring without scratching your pressure cooker’s non-stick coating, plus it won’t conduct heat like metal utensils
Sharp Chef’s Knife – Essential for efficiently dicing your onion into uniform pieces that cook evenly
Cutting Board – A stable work surface prevents accidents and protects your countertops during prep work

Helpful Upgrades:

Kitchen Scale – Measuring pasta by weight (about 8 oz for 2 cups) ensures perfect pasta-to-sauce ratios every time
Instant-Read Thermometer – Check that your ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety, especially important with ground meat
Silicone Spatula – Great for scraping every bit of tomato paste from the can and ensuring nothing goes to waste

Nice-to-Have Options:

Food Processor – Makes quick work of dicing onions if you’re making multiple batches or have hand mobility issues
Storage Containers – This recipe makes excellent leftovers and freezes beautifully in portion-sized containers for easy meal prep

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

Replace elbow pasta with 2 cups gluten-free pasta (corn, rice, or chickpea-based work well)
Reduce cooking time to 4-5 minutes as gluten-free pasta can become mushy more quickly
Add an extra ¼ cup chicken broth since gluten-free pasta absorbs liquid differently

Dairy-Free Modifications:

Substitute cheddar cheese with 2 cups dairy-free cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Use 1 cup full-fat coconut milk instead of cheese for creaminess without dairy
Check that your Worcestershire sauce is dairy-free, as some brands contain anchovies

Vegetarian Version:

Replace ground beef with 1 pound plant-based ground meat or 2 cups cooked lentils
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely plant-based meal
Add 1 diced bell pepper and 1 cup mushrooms for extra texture and umami flavor

Low-Carb Adaptation:

Substitute pasta with 4 cups cauliflower florets or 2 large zucchini, spiralized
Reduce cooking time to 3 minutes for vegetables to maintain proper texture
This modification reduces carbs from approximately 45g to 8g per serving

Flavor Variations:

Mexican Style: Add 1 packet taco seasoning, top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro
Italian Twist: Include 1 diced bell pepper, 2 cloves minced garlic, and finish with fresh basil
Spicy Version: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the seasonings

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
This hearty slumgullion provides approximately 577 calories per serving with a balanced macronutrient profile. Each serving delivers roughly 32g protein from the ground beef and cheese, 45g carbohydrates from the pasta and tomatoes, and 18g fat from the meat, cheese, and olive oil. The recipe provides substantial fiber content from the tomatoes and pasta, supporting digestive health and satiety.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
Ground beef supplies complete protein with all essential amino acids, plus important minerals like iron, zinc, and B-vitamins crucial for energy metabolism. The tomato sauce and diced tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable when cooked and may support heart health. Onions contribute quercetin and sulfur compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, while the olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe contains gluten (from pasta), dairy (from cheese), and is naturally nut-free. It fits well into omnivorous and Mediterranean-style eating patterns. Each serving provides about 15% of daily iron needs and 25% of daily protein requirements for average adults. The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats creates a satisfying meal that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Ground beef → Ground turkey, chicken, or pork (same cooking method and timing)
Elbow pasta → Rotini, penne, or shells work equally well for holding the sauce
Cheddar cheese → Monterey Jack, Colby, or Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles
Yellow onion → White onion or shallots (use ¾ the amount for shallots)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Fresh ground beef → Ground beef that’s on sale and frozen in portions
Name-brand canned tomatoes → Store-brand versions work just as well in this saucy application
Block cheese you shred yourself → Often costs less than pre-shredded and melts more smoothly

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Chicken broth → Beef broth, vegetable broth, or even water with extra seasoning
Worcestershire sauce → Soy sauce mixed with a dash of vinegar and brown sugar
Italian seasoning → Equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme from your spice rack
Fresh onion → 2 tablespoons onion powder mixed in with the liquid ingredients

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting – toss with a little flour if it seems clumpy
Different pasta shapes may require slight liquid adjustments – add broth ¼ cup at a time if needed

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace 1 cup pasta with 1 cup cauliflower florets to reduce carbs by approximately 20g per serving
Use shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles for an ultra-low-carb version with only 5-8g carbs per serving
Portion control: Serve ¾ cup portions instead of full cups to reduce carbs to about 35g per serving

Protein and Fat Enhancement:

Add extra ground beef (1.5 pounds instead of 1 pound) to increase protein and improve blood sugar stability
Include 1 cup spinach or diced bell peppers for added fiber and nutrients without significant carb impact
Use full-fat cheese to slow carbohydrate absorption and increase satiety

Blood Sugar Management Tips:

Pair with a side salad containing healthy fats like avocado or nuts to moderate glucose response
Eat protein first – consume a few bites of the beef before the pasta to help regulate blood sugar spikes
Timing matters: This recipe works well as a lunch option when insulin sensitivity is typically higher

Total Carb Reduction: These modifications can reduce carbs from 45g to 25-30g per serving while maintaining the comfort food satisfaction.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the rich tomato sauce and beef beautifully, while the acidity cuts through the cheese’s richness. For beer lovers, a crisp lager or wheat beer provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or iced tea to cleanse the palate between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations:
A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette provides fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta, while roasted broccoli or green beans add color and nutritional balance to the plate. Garlic bread turns this into an indulgent feast, though crusty sourdough rolls offer a more refined option. For lighter accompaniments, cucumber tomato salad or coleslaw provide cooling, crunchy textures.

Complete Meal Ideas:
Start with bruschetta or a antipasto platter featuring olives and fresh mozzarella to set an Italian-inspired tone. This slumgullion works perfectly for casual family dinners, potluck gatherings, or meal prep sessions. Finish with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for a simple, satisfying dessert that won’t compete with the main dish’s hearty flavors.

Occasion Suggestions:
Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, kids’ birthday parties, church potlucks, or camping trips when made ahead and reheated. The comfort food nature makes it ideal for cold weather meals or when someone needs a little culinary TLC.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques:
Always brown your ground beef properly – resist the urge to stir too frequently as this prevents proper browning and flavor development. Deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits after adding the liquid ingredients; these fond particles add incredible depth to your final sauce. Layer your seasonings by adding salt at different stages rather than all at once for more complex flavor development.

Common Mistake Prevention:
Never skip the quick release – natural release will overcook your pasta into mush. If your pasta seems too firm after cooking, simply use the sauté function for 2-3 additional minutes with the lid off, stirring constantly. Avoid pre-shredded cheese when possible, as the anti-caking agents can create a grainy texture when melted.

Storage and Reheating:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess, as the pasta absorbs liquid over time. Reheat gently in the microwave at 50% power or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating.

Make-Ahead Strategies:
This recipe actually improves overnight as flavors meld together. You can prep all ingredients the night before and store them separately, then dump everything into the Instant Pot for super-quick assembly. Double the recipe easily for meal prep – it scales perfectly and freezes in individual portions beautifully.

This slumgullion represents everything wonderful about comfort food – it’s unpretentious, satisfying, and brings people together around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, satisfying your own weeknight cravings, or introducing friends to the magic of Instant Pot cooking, this recipe delivers every single time. The best part? Tomorrow’s leftovers might just taste even better than tonight’s dinner.