If you’re craving a comforting, all-in-one meal that combines hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce, this Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug—simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. From the rich browned beef to the subtle kick of chili flakes and the fresh brightness of parsley, every bite offers a delightful harmony of tastes and textures that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. Simple pantry staples and fresh touches come together seamlessly to make this dish shine.
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni: The tender pasta forms the perfect base to soak up the savory sauce.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps brown the beef perfectly.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that delivers hearty, meaty flavor.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt: Enhances all the natural flavors with a balanced seasoning blend.
- Pinch of chili pepper flakes: Adds just the right hint of heat to wake up your palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed: Brings a subtle, almost herbal undertone that complements the tomato sauce.
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Creates a chunky, tangy sauce that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a subtle depth that rounds out the dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Freshness and color in every bite.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring balance and enhance flavors.
How to Make Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Start Cooking the Pasta
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. This ensures your pasta will be perfectly tender by the time the sauce is ready, preventing any overcooking. Once cooked, don’t forget to reserve a bit of the pasta water—it’ll come in handy for melding everything together.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Then, toss in the chopped yellow onions and let them soften until translucent. This step develops the savory base flavor with a slight sweetness from the onions, a critical layer for this Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the seasoned salt, celery seed, and chili pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring so the spices evenly coat the beef and onions. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to combine. Let this mixture simmer so all the flavors marry and the sauce thickens slightly, creating that luscious coating for the macaroni.
Step 4: Drain the Pasta and Add It to the Skillet
Drain your macaroni, but remember that reserved pasta water! Add the drained pasta plus the chopped fresh parsley straight into the skillet. Give everything a good mix and cook over low heat for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend perfectly. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to loosen and smooth out the sauce.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. This final touch ensures every forkful of this Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe will burst with savory, balanced flavor. Now you’re ready to plate up and enjoy a truly satisfying meal.
How to Serve Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for cooking—sprinkle some additional chopped parsley or even grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. It adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle flavor boost. If you like a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can complement the chili pepper flakes already in the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite filling on its own, but for a complete meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are fantastic too, perfect for mopping up any remaining tomato sauce from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress guests or just want to customize, try serving the Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe in individual ramekins topped with shredded cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of sautéed greens or alongside roasted vegetables for an extra colorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe in advance or save a portion, it freezes beautifully. Pack leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain flavor and texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain a nice saucy consistency. Microwaving works well too, just stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of macaroni?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional here, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle will work wonderfully and hold the sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to keep that hearty texture without the meat.
How spicy is this Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe?
It has a mild warmth thanks to the pinch of chili pepper flakes, but nothing overwhelming—perfect for those who enjoy just a subtle kick.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
For sure! Stir in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella right at the end of cooking, or sprinkle cheese on top before serving for a melty finish.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
Simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water or a splash of broth to loosen it up until you get your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe is that perfect weeknight winner that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish you can always count on to bring smiles to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your recipe rotation!
Print
Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Hamburger and Macaroni recipe that combines tender ground beef, flavorful seasonings, and perfectly cooked macaroni in a savory tomato-based sauce, finished with fresh parsley for a delicious family meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 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: Bring a large pot of water to a boil to prepare for cooking the macaroni.
- Boil water and cook macaroni: Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water for later use.
- Brown the beef and onions: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the chopped onions and cook until they soften and become translucent.
- Add the seasonings and tomatoes: Stir in the seasoned salt, chili pepper flakes, and celery seed. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and add Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the mixture for several minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked pasta: Mix the drained macaroni into the beef and tomato mixture. Add chopped fresh parsley and stir well. If needed, add some reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting hamburger and macaroni meal.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and garnish.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
