Hamburger and Macaroni Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food fix that brings back memories of cozy family dinners, Hamburger and Macaroni is the dish you need. It’s satisfyingly hearty, incredibly simple, and completely customizable—guaranteed to be requested again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Hamburger and Macaroni is just how versatile it is, and it all starts with super-simple ingredients. Each brings its own character—tender pasta, savory ground beef, aromatic onion, and punchy seasonings create a colorful, flavor-packed skillet you’ll crave.

• Uncooked macaroni: Elbow macaroni is classic, but any small pasta shape will soak up the sauce beautifully and give an irresistible chewy bite.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Just a splash enhances the richness while helping the beef brown up perfectly without sticking.
• Ground beef: Use a good-quality 80/20 cut for maximum flavor; leaner beef works in a pinch, but the extra fat makes the sauce luscious.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth; combine with green onion greens for subtle texture and a touch of color if you like.
• Seasoned salt: It’s a shortcut to deep savory flavor—just a little lifts the whole dish.
• Chili pepper flakes: Totally optional, but that gentle heat brings out the boldness of the tomatoes and beef.
• Celery seed: This secret ingredient adds that unmistakable “old-school” casserole flavor everyone secretly loves.
• Canned diced tomatoes: They add bright tang, saucy richness, and the perfect amount of moisture for the pasta to soak up.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a couple tablespoons dial up the umami and make everything taste savory and complex.
• Fresh chopped parsley: Pops of green freshness on top keep the dish from feeling too heavy and add irresistible color.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Season at the end to brighten all the flavors and tweak to your personal taste.

Variations

The beauty of Hamburger and Macaroni is just how easy it is to turn a classic into your very own signature meal. Switch up proteins, play with veggies, or spice it up—there’s truly no wrong way to make it your family’s favorite.

• Cheesy Hamburger and Macaroni: Melt in a cup or two of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a perfectly gooey, homestyle touch.
• Tex-Mex Style: Toss in bell peppers, corn, chili powder, and a sprinkle of cumin for a southwestern spin that pairs beautifully with the classic flavors.
• Toss In Veggies: Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms can be sautéed with the beef for extra nutrition and color—great for picky eaters!
• Swap the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles turn this comfort dish into something for everyone at the table.

How to Make Hamburger and Macaroni

Step 1: Boil the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (I use about 1 tablespoon salt per 2 quarts water for perfectly seasoned pasta). Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally, so nothing sticks together! Start working on the sauce while the pasta cooks to keep the process quick.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

While your macaroni bubbles away, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it sear—don’t stir too often; let those edges crisp up and brown for tons of flavor. When the beef is almost all browned, toss in the chopped onions. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden (about 4 to 6 minutes).

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Once the onions have melted into the beef, sprinkle in the celery seed, seasoned salt, and chili flakes (if you like a little heat). Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and add Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let this mixture simmer together for about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing right about now!

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

By now, your pasta should be ready. Drain it well, reserving about half a cup of the cooking water. Mix the macaroni into the beef-tomato mixture and sprinkle over most of the parsley. Stir gently to coat everything. Let it cook together for another 5 minutes, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed for silky, saucy goodness.

Step 5: Taste, Season, and Serve

Before serving, give the Hamburger and Macaroni a taste and adjust with salt and plenty of fresh cracked black pepper. Garnish with the leftover parsley, and get ready for smiles at the table!

How to Serve Hamburger and Macaroni

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each steaming bowl to add a pop of color and vibrant flavor. For extra indulgence, try topping with grated Parmesan, a swirl of sour cream, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to accentuate the savory warmth of Hamburger and Macaroni.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with buttery garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or simply steamed green beans. The mildness of the macaroni and beef is the perfect match for simple vegetable sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Hamburger and Macaroni into ovenproof bowls, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for a bubbly casserole effect—or scoop it into lettuce cups for a fun twist on family taco night. Leftovers also make a delicious lunch atop a slice of toast or tucked into a thermos for meals on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Hamburger and Macaroni in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. If the pasta starts absorbing more sauce, just stir in a splash of water or broth before reheating to revive its creamy texture.

Freezing

Let the cooked Hamburger and Macaroni cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Store for up to two months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge so the pasta maintains its best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally so the macaroni heats through evenly and stays tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if Hamburger and Macaroni becomes the most-requested meal in your house! With its nostalgic flavors, easy prep, and endless ways to make it your own, this classic is always a win for busy nights or cozy gatherings. Give it a try—you’re in for one truly comforting, delicious dinner!

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