If you’re searching for a dinner that’s hearty, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes, Hamburger and Macaroni is about to become your new weeknight hero. This one-pot classic brims with cozy beef, tender golden noodles, and a savory tomato sauce — the kind of meal that transports you straight back to childhood, one bite at a time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Comfort Food: This Hamburger and Macaroni delivers all the nostalgia and warmth of a classic family casserole — no fancy equipment or complicated steps required.
- Incredibly Fast and Easy: From prep to table in under half an hour, it’s a perfect solution for busy nights when you crave something homemade and satisfying.
- Made from Pantry Staples: Most of the ingredients are likely already waiting in your kitchen—no last-minute grocery runs necessary.
- Family-Friendly and Customizable: Crowd-pleasing flavors that kids and adults adore, plus it’s endlessly adaptable for your own personal twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have everything for Hamburger and Macaroni right in your kitchen already! Each ingredient shines in its role, building a meal that tastes like it simmered all day (even if it didn’t). Here’s why they matter:
- Uncooked macaroni: Elbow macaroni adds that nostalgic, childhood-cafeteria texture and soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. You can swap for other small pasta shapes if you wish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Just a spoonful to brown the beef and develop that irresistible flavor base.
- Ground beef: The star protein! It gives the dish its hearty, satisfying bite and turns everyday pasta into soul food.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth. You can also use green onion greens for extra color and mild onion flavor.
- Seasoned salt: A little goes a long way — this brings all the flavors together and boosts savory notes.
- Chili pepper flakes: Just a pinch for gentle warmth, but you can add more if you love a little kick.
- Celery seed: A touch of earthy aromatic flavor you’ll sense on the finish of every bite.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): The trusty 28-ounce can forms the saucy, tangy heart of this dish.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a hit of umami — one of those “mystery” flavors that make people wonder what your secret is.
- Fresh parsley: For brightness and freshness to finish the dish; it looks pretty, too!
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Adjust these at the end to taste, for the perfect seasoning balance.
Variations
Hamburger and Macaroni is made for creativity — so feel free to make it your own! You can swap ingredients, experiment with spices, or sneak in extra veggies to fit any taste or dietary need.
- Cheesy Hamburger and Macaroni: Stir in a cup or two of shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end for an ultra-creamy finish.
- Veggie-Packed: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to sneak in more veggies — just sauté them with the onions.
- Spicy Twist: Amp up the heat by doubling the chili flakes or adding diced jalapeños with the onion.
- Lean & Light: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and use whole wheat macaroni for a wholesome spin.
How to Make Hamburger and Macaroni
Step 1: Start the Macaroni
Fill a large pot with well-salted water (about 1 tablespoon salt per 2 quarts). Bring it to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package directions. Macaroni cooks quickly, so keep an eye out — you want it just tender, not mushy!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef in one even layer, letting it sizzle and brown — minimal stirring helps it develop those delicious crispy bits. Once mostly browned, add the chopped onions and toss everything together. Sauté until onions are soft and fragrant, about 4-6 minutes.
Step 3: Season and Simmer the Sauce
Sprinkle in the celery seed, seasoned salt, and a pinch of chili pepper flakes for subtle heat. Stir in the canned tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Let everything mingle and simmer gently for 5 minutes — you’ll notice the aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Finish
When the macaroni is al dente, drain it (reserve half a cup of pasta water). Add the drained pasta and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir well to coat the noodles in your savory beefy-tomato sauce. If your Hamburger and Macaroni seems a bit dry, splash in reserved pasta water until it’s just the way you like it. Finish with salt and lots of cracked black pepper to taste.
Pro Tips for Making Hamburger and Macaroni
- Let the Beef Brown: Don’t rush this part — allowing beef to develop those tasty browned bits adds layers of flavor that make this dish irresistible.
- Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: Well-seasoned pasta water is the first step to flavorful noodles — bland pasta is the enemy of comfort food!
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining; it’s a magic fix for dry Hamburger and Macaroni and helps the sauce cling to the noodles beautifully.
- Finish with Fresh Parsley: Just before serving, sprinkle on a bit more fresh parsley for a burst of color and a truly fresh finish to every bowl.
How to Serve Hamburger and Macaroni
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Toss an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onion over your Hamburger and Macaroni for a pop of color and lively flavor. If you want to get extra-cozy, shower it with grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a meal-in-one, but it shines even brighter with a crisp green salad on the side (think Italian dressing or a simple balsamic vinaigrette). A slice of buttered garlic bread or a warm biscuit is perfect for sopping up any saucy goodness left on the plate!
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve your Hamburger and Macaroni straight from a colorful Dutch oven — rustic and homey! For weeknight dinners, scoop into deep bowls, add your garnish, and tuck in. Want to impress? Spoon into ramekins, top with cheese, and broil just until bubbly and golden for a fun twist on a classic casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Hamburger and Macaroni cool to room temperature, then pack it in airtight containers. It keeps happily in the fridge for 3–4 days—hello, easy lunches!
Freezing
To freeze, spoon cooled Hamburger and Macaroni into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (press out extra air!) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just stir halfway to heat evenly.
FAQs
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Can I make Hamburger and Macaroni ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the recipe as written, cool it, and store it tightly covered in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen in the fridge—just reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed to bring back that saucy texture.
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What swaps can I make for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles in your Hamburger and Macaroni. Each swap will shift the flavor profile a bit, but the results are always cozy and delicious!
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How do I keep the macaroni from getting mushy?
Cook your macaroni just until al dente (barely tender), then drain and add it directly to the sauce. Avoid overcooking, as the pasta will absorb more sauce and soften further as it sits.
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Can I double this Hamburger and Macaroni recipe?
Yes! This recipe easily doubles — just use a larger skillet and pot to handle the extra volume, and enjoy plenty of leftovers for easy lunches or freezing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about Hamburger and Macaroni — it’s simple, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to spark smiles at your table. If you’re looking for a cozy meal that tastes like a hug, don’t wait: give this recipe a try tonight!
Print
Hamburger and Macaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish, Hamburger and Macaroni combines tender macaroni with seasoned ground beef, onions, and a savory tomato-based sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Macaroni:
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
For the Sauce:
- 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 as per package directions.
- Brown the beef and onions: Brown ground beef in olive oil, then add onions and cook until soft.
- Add the seasonings and tomatoes: Season with celery seed, crushed red pepper, and seasoned salt. Pour in tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer.
- Drain the pasta: Reserve some pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta: Combine drained macaroni and parsley with the sauce. Cook briefly.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
