Hamburger and Macaroni Recipe

If ever there was a dish that embodies pure comfort and weeknight bliss, it’s Hamburger and Macaroni! This nostalgic, crowd-pleasing skillet combines tender pasta, savory beef, and a saucy tomato base—all coming together in under 30 minutes, with flavors that throw you right back to cozy family dinners (and maybe seconds, too!).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Hamburger and Macaroni is that it uses humble pantry staples—each one pulls its weight to create a symphony of savory, tangy, and herby notes. Here’s how they build up that signature flavor and give the dish its irresistible texture.

• Uncooked macaroni (2 cups): The classic elbows soak up every drop of flavor and provide that perfect, chewy bite.
• Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
• Ground beef (1 pound): The star of the show—use lean or regular, depending on how much richness you like.
• Yellow onion, chopped: Sweetens and adds aromatic depth to the sauce. Mix in some green onion for a pop of color and freshness.
• Seasoned salt (1/2 teaspoon): Layers in subtle, savory flavor.
• Pinch of chili pepper flakes: For just a tiny kick! Adjust to suit your preferred spice level.
• Celery seed (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to give that classic “old-school” touch.
• 28-ounce can diced tomatoes: The saucy backbone—use fire-roasted for even more robust flavor!
• Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds intriguing, savory depth and a hint of tanginess.
• Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup): Invigorates the whole dish with a burst of color and freshness.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: For perfectly balanced seasoning in every bite.

Variations

The beauty of Hamburger and Macaroni is in how endlessly flexible it is! Never hesitate to swap in what you have, or adapt to your family’s cravings or dietary needs. Here are some favorite twists:

• Cheesy Hamburger and Macaroni: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella just before serving for gooey, melty goodness.
• Veggie-Packed Version: Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms with the onions for extra color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch more chili flakes or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce for a lively, warming edge.
• Turkey or Plant-Based Swap: Substitute ground turkey or a plant-based crumble for the beef for a lighter or vegetarian version.

How to Make Hamburger and Macaroni

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your macaroni and cook it just until al dente, following the package instructions. That perfect chew is exactly what you want here—almost ready but not overdone, since it’ll soak up more flavor later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Onions

While your pasta works its magic, grab a sturdy skillet and heat up the olive oil over high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up but letting it sit so it gets irresistibly browned on one side. Once most of it is browned, mix in the chopped onions and let them soften—this layering of flavors is where Hamburger and Macaroni shines!

Step 3: Season and Simmer with Tomatoes

Sprinkle in the seasoned salt, celery seed, and just a pinch of chili flakes for background heat. Pour in the diced tomatoes (juices and all), add the punchy Worcestershire sauce, and stir everything together. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors really meld.

Step 4: Combine, Toss, and Finish

Now, drain your macaroni (don’t forget to save half a cup of that glorious pasta water!). Add the cooked noodles and parsley right into the beefy tomato skillet. Give everything a good toss and let it cook another 5 minutes—add splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed so the whole batch stays saucy and luscious.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Before you plate up, don’t skip a quick taste: adjust the salt and pepper so every forkful is just right. That’s it—your Hamburger and Macaroni is ready for loving hands and happy bellies!

How to Serve Hamburger and Macaroni

Garnishes

Take your Hamburger and Macaroni up a notch by sprinkling on a shower of extra fresh parsley, a handful of sharp cheddar cheese, or even a crisp bite of sliced green onions. A dusting of cracked black pepper or a tiny swirl of olive oil can also give it restaurant-worthy appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple tossed green salad (for something fresh and crunchy) or steamed green beans for a cozy diner-style plate. A warm hunk of garlic bread is never out of place here and is wonderful for catching every drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For party or potluck fun, scoop the Hamburger and Macaroni into cute ramekins, top with a cheese layer, and bake for personal-sized gratins. Or, serve straight from a cast iron skillet right at the table—rustic, charming, and always a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before popping them in an airtight container. Hamburger and Macaroni stays delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days and actually tastes even better as the flavors meld!

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well—just pack cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to enjoy within 2–3 months for the freshest taste and best texture (thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating).

Reheating

For best results, reheat Hamburger and Macaroni gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks dry. You can also zap individual bowls in the microwave, stirring partway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Hamburger and Macaroni with your crew! It’s warm, filling, and truly embodies everything wonderful about classic home cooking. Set out your bowls, let the aroma fill the kitchen, and watch everyone go back for seconds—this one’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Print