Features: “Slop” is a versatile, one-pan dish made from simple, readily available ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family.
Advantages: The recipe requires minimal cooking expertise, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Its hearty ingredients make it both filling and budget-friendly, while its nostalgic charm ensures it’s a hit at the dinner table.
Benefits: This dish brings families together over comforting, home-cooked flavors. It’s a go-to recipe for busy evenings, and leftovers taste even better, reducing food waste and making meal prep easier the next day.
What’s in a Name?
“Slop” might sound unappetizing at first, but don’t judge a dish by its name. In many households, it’s a term of endearment. One contributor fondly recalls their father’s tongue-in-cheek question: “Are we having slop or swill for dinner tonight?” Despite the playful ribbing, the dish quickly became a family favorite. The name might stem from its rustic, no-frills appearance, but its taste and nostalgic value are anything but ordinary.
Recipe #1: Classic Slop
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion sliced
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 10 oz. cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 potatoes peeled and sliced ½-inch thick
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the onions and sauté them in butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced potatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
- Continue sautéing the potatoes until they are fork-tender.
- In a separate pan, brown the ground beef and drain the excess fat.
- Gently fold the cream of mushroom soup and ground beef into the potato mixture.
- Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Recipe #2: Layered Slop Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions diced
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 28 oz. can puréed tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 lb dried pasta rotini, fusilli, or elbow
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook diced onions until softened and translucent.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat and stir in puréed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer the ingredients: start with a thin layer of sauce, followed by half the pasta, half the remaining sauce, and half the cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
Why We Love It
- Customizable: Whether you’re adding mushrooms, green peppers, or different spices, this dish is endlessly adaptable to your taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up a satisfying meal.
- Better as Leftovers: Like many casseroles, “slop” tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
A Dish for All Seasons
“Slop” may not win any awards for its name, but it’s a testament to the power of comfort food. It’s a dish that’s not about perfection but about bringing people together over something warm, filling, and satisfying. So the next time someone raises an eyebrow at the name, serve them a plate—you’ll have a new convert in no time.