Hamburger and Macaroni is the ultimate cozy, fuss-free dinner—savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a zippy tomato sauce all come together in one beloved skillet. This classic combo is quick enough for busy weeknights and delicious enough to have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, this is one recipe guaranteed to hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Hamburger and Macaroni cooks up in a single skillet, so cleanup is a breeze—ideal for hectic evenings.
- Bold, Cozy Flavors: A rich tomato base, zesty Worcestershire, and a whisper of spice deliver layers of comforting flavor in every bite.
- Family-Approved Classic: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the nostalgic magic of cheeseburger-inspired pasta—this dish always disappears fast!
- Super Customizable: You can easily adapt Hamburger and Macaroni to suit your pantry, taste, or dietary needs with just a couple clever swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients to make Hamburger and Macaroni shine. Each element plays a crucial role in building that signature flavor, hearty texture, and vibrant color—don’t skip a thing if you can help it!
- Uncooked macaroni (2 cups): Classic elbow macaroni cooks up tender and holds the sauce perfectly—shells or penne work in a pinch, but elbows give the most nostalgic feel.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash softens the onion and infuses the beef with a gentle, fruity richness.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Go for 80/20 or 85/15 for the ideal balance of flavor and juicy texture.
- Yellow onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef; green onions can add a little color and brightness.
- Seasoned salt (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates every ingredient—if you don’t have it, a little kosher salt plus paprika and garlic powder will do.
- Chili pepper flakes (pinch): Brings in a gentle background heat that’s totally adjustable to your crowd’s preference.
- Celery seed (1/2 teaspoon): Adds intriguing flavor complexity and a whiff of nostalgia.
- Diced tomatoes (one 28-ounce can): The juicy tomato base ties everything together and keeps the pasta moist.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): This secret ingredient deepens the umami and gives the sauce that irresistible “Mmm!” quality.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Sprinkled in at the end, parsley brings a flash of color and fresh taste to balance the richness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season the whole dish to your own taste just before serving.
Variations
One of the best things about Hamburger and Macaroni is how you can customize it based on what’s in your fridge or what your family likes. Feel free to play around and make it your own—there’s no wrong way!
- Add Cheese: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a melty, creamy finish that takes this skillet to true comfort food level.
- Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, or go plant-based with your favorite meatless ground for a vegetarian spin.
- Boost the Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the onions to add color, nutrients, and even more flavor.
- Make It Spicier: Amp up the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if your family loves some heat.
How to Make Hamburger and Macaroni
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a big pot of salted water to a roiling boil—don’t skimp on the salt! Add your macaroni and cook until just al dente, following the package directions. This way, the noodles will soak up all the meaty flavor when they finish in the skillet. Save about half a cup of pasta water before draining, just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
Set a large skillet over high heat and swirl in the olive oil. Add the ground beef and break it up with your spoon, but don’t stir too often—letting it sit gives you those savory browned bits. Once the beef is mostly browned, toss in your chopped onions and let them mingle for 4-6 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the seasoned salt, celery seed, and just a pinch of chili flakes. Pour in the diced tomatoes (juice and all) and the Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir and let it bubble gently for 5 minutes—this is where the flavors marry and magic happens!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the drained macaroni and that fresh parsley right into the skillet. Toss everything to coat—if it seems a bit dry, stir in a splash of your reserved pasta water. Let it cook together for another 5 minutes, then finish with a grind of black pepper and any extra salt you crave.
Pro Tips for Making Hamburger and Macaroni
- Let It Brown—Don’t Rush: When browning ground beef, resist the urge to stir constantly. A little patience gives you those toasty, flavorful bits that make the whole dish taste richer.
- Season Your Pasta Water: Use plenty of salt when boiling the macaroni; it’s your one big chance to flavor the noodles themselves.
- Save Some Pasta Water: That starchy water works wonders if you want extra sauciness or need to loosen things up just at the end.
- Taste and Adjust: Always give Hamburger and Macaroni a taste before serving—add another pinch of salt or a crack of pepper if it needs a little extra pop!
How to Serve Hamburger and Macaroni
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley goes a long way in brightening up each bowl of Hamburger and Macaroni. If you’re a cheese lover, try adding some freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of shredded cheddar right before serving for extra richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this comforting skillet with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or serve alongside buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a little extra veg, simply add roasted broccoli or green beans on the side—easy and satisfying!
Creative Ways to Present
For fun family dinners, serve Hamburger and Macaroni in individual bowls with a toppings bar—let everyone pile on their own cheese, herbs, and even a dash of hot sauce. Hosting a party? Scoop it into ramekins and top with a little melted cheese for a homey, casserole-style twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hamburger and Macaroni keeps beautifully! Once cooled, store portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen even more after a night in the fridge, making lunch the next day a real treat.
Freezing
This dish freezes well—simply cool completely, then pack individual servings (or the entire batch) in freezer-safe containers. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within 2 to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or a spoonful of tomato sauce to keep everything saucy, then warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir halfway through so everything heats evenly, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cheese for a just-cooked taste.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of pasta for Hamburger and Macaroni?
Absolutely! While classic elbow macaroni gives this dish its signature feel, you can swap in small shells, penne, or rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just aim for similar cooking times so your pasta isn’t too soft or too firm.
-
What’s the best way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free (some brands contain wheat). The recipe is otherwise naturally wheat-free, making it easy to adapt!
-
Can I add vegetables to Hamburger and Macaroni?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach all work beautifully—just sauté them with the onions or stir leafy greens in at the end for an easy veggie boost.
-
What if my Hamburger and Macaroni seems too dry?
No worries! Simply stir in a bit of your reserved pasta cooking water or a splash of tomato sauce until it reaches the sauciness you love. It’ll bring your noodles and beef right back to the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for an easy dinner that’s pure comfort in a bowl, Hamburger and Macaroni is that dish! I can’t wait for you to taste how satisfying, adaptable, and downright delicious it is. Give it a try—you’ll want to add this classic to your regular rotation.
Print
Hamburger and Macaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and comforting Hamburger and Macaroni recipe is a family-favorite dish that combines tender macaroni with savory ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of seasonings. A satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Macaroni:
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped (or mixed chopped green onion greens and yellow onion)
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- Pinch chili pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start cooking the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- Brown the beef and onions: In a skillet, brown the ground beef in olive oil. Add onions and cook until soft.
- Add seasonings and tomatoes: Stir in celery seed, chili flakes, seasoned salt, tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta: Reserve a half cup of pasta water. Add drained macaroni and parsley to the beef mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 487
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 36g
