Slum Gum: A Family Recipe with Tradition

Slum Gum: A Family Recipe That Stood the Test of Time

Every family has that one recipe the one that’s been passed down, adapted, and loved through generations. For my family, that recipe is Slum Gum. My grandmother first made this dish during the Great Depression, when stretching a single pound of ground beef was essential with so many little mouths to feed. Using Franco American spaghetti, she created a budget-friendly, hearty meal that filled bellies and brought comfort to the table.

My mom carried on the tradition, making her own version of Slum Gum, swapping ground beef for ground turkey and adding her own touch. And, of course, I couldn’t resist putting my own spin on it, transforming it into what I call Greek Goulash, inspired by Mediterranean flavors.

No matter how you make it, this dish is simple, satisfying, and full of history. So, grab a pot and let’s cook up some nostalgia!

Slum Gum – Mom’s Classic

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• (2) 16 oz cans Franco American Spaghetti
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the onions until golden.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and green pepper, cooking until heated through.
4. Mix in the Franco American Spaghetti and stir to combine.
5. Heat thoroughly for 20 minutes. Serve with toasted bread.

Serve the entire portion family style in a Mason Cash serving bowl.

Slum Gum – Jane’s Kitchen Remix 

For my version, I went back to beef but gave it a Greek-inspired twist by swapping out the Worcestershire sauce for warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These flavors add a rich depth and a little Mediterranean flair, making it feel like a cozy, comfort-food take on Greek goulash. Of course, you can still use ground turkey if you prefer—it’s all about making the recipe your own while keeping the heart of the tradition alive!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta circles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 24 oz tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the onions until golden.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the garlic and green pepper, cooking until heated through.
4. Mix in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, stirring well.
5. Season with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Serve over pasta circles with toasted bread.

Whether you go classic with my grandmother’s version, or swap out turkey for a healthier meal like my mom’s version, or add a little Greek-inspired twist like I did, Slum Gum is proof that simple, humble ingredients can create a meal full of love and tradition.

What recipes have been passed down in your family? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

The best thing about a recipe passed down through generations? You get to make it your own! Feel free to swap the protein, toss in your favorite veggies, or play with different spices to match your tastebuds. Love a little heat? Add red pepper flakes! Craving something heartier? Throw in mushrooms or zucchini. However you make it, Slum Gum is all about comfort, creativity, and keeping family traditions alive, one delicious bite at a time. Want more family recipes just check out this book all about Secret Family Recipes by Allrecipes

Print Recipe

Slum Gum: A Family Recipe with Tradition

Every family has that one recipe the one that’s been passed down, adapted, and loved through generations. For my family, that recipe is Slum Gum. My grandmother first made this dish during the Great Depression, when stretching a single pound of ground beef was essential with so many little mouths to feed. Using Franco American spaghetti, she created a budget-friendly, hearty meal that filled bellies and brought comfort to the table.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Beef and noodle dish, Casserole, easy midweek meal, one pot meal, quick dinner, weekday meal

Servings: 6 people

Equipment

• 1 skillet
• 1 garlic press
• 1 wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium onion coarsely chopped
• 1 green pepper diced
• 2 16 oz cans Franco American Spaghetti Substitute cooked pasta & tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions

• In a large skillet, sauté the onions until golden.
  
• Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
  
• Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and green pepper, cooking until heated through.
• Mix in the Franco American Spaghetti and stir to combine.
  
• Heat thoroughly for 20 minutes. Serve with toasted bread.
  

Notes

For an alternate twist on this family favorite, use beef and swap out the Worcestershire sauce for warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These flavors add a rich depth and a little Mediterranean flair, making it feel like a cozy, comfort-food take on Greek goulash.