This comforting Hamburger and Macaroni recipe is the very definition of easy weeknight bliss—savory browned beef, tender pasta elbows, and bright tomatoes all come together in one simple, satisfying dish that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Nostalgia: Hamburger and Macaroni instantly brings back memories of cozy family dinners and homey comfort food at its best.
- One-Pan Wonder: It comes together easily with everyday ingredients, making your kitchen cleanup a total breeze.
- Fuss-Free and Flexible: This dish takes just 30 minutes, feeds a crowd, and is effortless to customize for picky eaters or spice lovers alike.
- Big, Bold Flavor: Savory beef, bright tomatoes, and the punchy tang of Worcestershire sauce make this Hamburger and Macaroni totally crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to create Hamburger and Macaroni—just a few kitchen standbys! Every ingredient on this list is there for a reason, from adding hearty texture to building layers of bold, savory flavor.
- Uncooked macaroni: The classic elbow shape soaks up all that saucy goodness and gives the dish its signature texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a touch of richness to start the beef browning process and infuses the pan with flavor.
- Ground beef: The hearty base and star ingredient—choose lean if you want to keep it a little lighter, or regular for extra flavor.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed until soft, it adds natural sweetness and depth. You can use green onions for a pop of color too!
- Seasoned salt: Amplifies every savory note and brings the whole dish together.
- Chili pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a little heat—add more if you love things spicy.
- Celery seed: This underrated spice delivers a subtle earthy flavor that makes everything taste homemade.
- Diced tomatoes (28 oz can): Juicy, tangy tomatoes create a saucy base that clings to every bite of macaroni.
- Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient! Just a couple tablespoons punch up the savory, umami flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a bright green finish at the end.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning everything just right, to taste.
Variations
The beauty of Hamburger and Macaroni is how easy it is to adapt! Tweak the flavors, sneak in extra veggies, or swap in ingredients to suit your family’s needs or what’s in your pantry. Get creative and make it your own!
- Cheesy Hamburger and Macaroni: Melt in a handful or two of shredded cheddar or mozzarella just before serving for extra decadence.
- Veggie-Boosted: Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, corn, or even baby spinach to amp up the nutrition and color.
- Lower-Carb Option: Try using whole wheat pasta or chickpea macaroni for a more wholesome twist.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based “meat” for different dietary needs.
How to Make Hamburger and Macaroni
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil—you want your pasta water to taste almost like the sea! Drop in the macaroni and cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. The key is to cook it just to al dente so it holds up once mixed with the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Onions
While the pasta simmers, heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef in one even layer and let it brown undisturbed for a minute or two, then break it up and continue to cook until mostly browned. Add your onions (yellow, or a mix with green onion tops for color) and cook until they’re soft, about 4–6 minutes, soaking up all that savory flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle in celery seed, seasoned salt, and a pinch of chili flakes for some spark. Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes—juice included—and swirl in the Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let it bubble on a gentle simmer for five minutes, letting all those rich flavors meld together.
Step 4: Finish and Combine
Once the macaroni is cooked and drained (reserve half a cup of pasta water for later!), fold it into the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss in the chopped parsley. Let everything cook together for another five minutes; add a splash of pasta water if things look a little dry. Taste and adjust with salt and plenty of black pepper to finish.
Pro Tips for Making Hamburger and Macaroni
- Brown, Don’t Steam: Give your beef plenty of space in the skillet and don’t stir constantly—the key to rich flavor is letting meat really caramelize!
- Sauce Consistency: Always save a bit of pasta water; adding it in at the end makes your Hamburger and Macaroni gloriously saucy and brings everything together.
- Fresh Herb Finish: Don’t skip the parsley—fresh herbs added at the end brighten this classic up and give it irresistible color.
- Season As You Go: Taste after each stage—especially at the end—so you avoid over-salting and can perfectly balance the flavors just for you.
How to Serve Hamburger and Macaroni
Garnishes
A simple shower of extra fresh parsley or sliced green onion gives a pop of color and freshness. For a luscious touch, sprinkle a generous handful of grated cheddar or Parmesan over the top—let it melt and watch your Hamburger and Macaroni disappear even faster!
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but a crisp green salad or crunchy garlic bread makes it feel even more special. If you want to add more veggies, a side of steamed broccoli or buttery green beans works beautifully alongside Hamburger and Macaroni.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Hamburger and Macaroni into individual oven-safe bowls, top each with extra cheese, and broil until bubbling for a bistro-worthy touch. Or, serve family-style in a big, colorful pasta bowl and let everyone dig in—comfort food should always feel welcoming!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let everything cool, then scoop your Hamburger and Macaroni into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days—just expect the flavors to get even cozier as they meld.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Hamburger and Macaroni freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible, and stash it away for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This perks up the sauce and revives the just-cooked texture. Top with fresh herbs or a little cheese for that fresh-from-the-stovetop magic every time!
FAQs
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Can I make Hamburger and Macaroni ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat gently with a splash of water or broth—this helps revive that sauciness and keep the pasta tender.
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What’s the best way to keep the macaroni from getting mushy?
Be sure to cook your pasta to just al dente and avoid overmixing after adding it to the sauce. If you’re making Hamburger and Macaroni ahead, slightly undercook the pasta, as it will soften more when reheated.
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Can I add cheese directly to the Hamburger and Macaroni?
Yes—a handful of cheddar, mozzarella, or even a little cream cheese stirred in at the end melts into the sauce for a creamy, irresistible finish. Feel free to add your favorite cheese to make it extra comforting!
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Does this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?
It sure does! Substitute your favorite gluten-free macaroni; just be mindful that some alternative pastas can soften faster, so check the texture as you go. Enjoy the same delicious Hamburger and Macaroni flavor, no matter your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Hamburger and Macaroni recipe is everything a comforting family dinner should be: hearty, unfussy, and full of flavor. Whether you grew up with a version of this classic or you’re discovering it for the very first time, I hope you’ll cozy up to a big bowl—there’s just something magical about it. Give it a try tonight and let this simple dish bring everyone to the table with smiles!
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 hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic hamburger with macaroni pasta, perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Macaroni:
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
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: Get a large pot of salted hot water boiling and cook the macaroni according to package directions.
- Brown the beef and onions: In a skillet, brown ground beef in olive oil. Add onions and cook until soft.
- Add the seasonings and tomatoes: Season beef with celery seed, red pepper, and seasoned salt. Add tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer.
- Drain the pasta: Reserve some pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta: Combine drained macaroni and parsley with the beef mixture. Cook briefly and adjust seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
