Patrick Oconnell
Hamburger macaroni is a hearty dish that combines ground beef, macaroni, and cheese. It is similar to Central European goulash, though it lacks the paprika that is standard in goulash. It is also known as American chop suey, though it does not resemble the traditional Chinese or Chinese-American dish of the same name. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights as it can be made in one pot and is ready in about 20 minutes. It is a comforting and simple dish that is sure to be a family favourite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Comfort food, casserole, weeknight meal |
| Main Ingredients | Ground beef, macaroni, cheese, onion, garlic |
| Other Ingredients | Olive oil, salt, pepper, cornstarch, paprika, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, beef broth, parsley, chicken broth, sour cream, thyme, dill, bacon bits, chilli powder, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, broccoli, spinach, red pepper flakes, butter, avocado oil, tomato paste, sugar, flour |
| Variations | Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, add vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, mushrooms, corn, peas, or spinach |
| Cooking Method | Brown ground beef, add other ingredients, bake in the oven (for casserole) |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Yield | 4-8 servings |
| Storage | Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Hamburger and macaroni recipes
Hamburger and macaroni is a simple, comforting, and budget-friendly dish that can be made in one pot. It's a great option for busy weeknights and is a dish that many culinary traditions have a version of. Here are some recipes and tips for making delicious hamburger and macaroni:
Basic Recipe:
This recipe is a great starting point and can be modified based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon until it begins to cook.
- Add onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like (such as onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder).
- Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly, then drain and discard any excess fat.
- Add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour in dry macaroni and beef or chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the macaroni is tender (about 8-10 minutes).
- Add milk and shredded cheese (cheddar, American, or a combination) and stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Customizations and Tips:
- You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.
- For a Mexican-inspired version, add cumin and chili powder to the beef as it cooks, and serve with lettuce, tomato, and salsa.
- To increase the vegetable content, add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or peas.
- If you like your dish spicy, add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- For extra creaminess, add sour cream when stirring in the cheese, or serve with a dollop of sour cream on top.
- If the dish becomes too dry, add some pasta water or milk to adjust the consistency.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated on the stove with a little milk added to restore its creaminess.
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Variations of cheese to use
There are many variations of cheese that can be used in a hamburger rice macaroni and cheese dish. Here are some options:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for this dish, as it has a strong and tangy flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients. It is recommended to grate your own cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
American Cheese
American cheese, known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, is another option that can be used. It melts easily and contributes to the creaminess of the dish. American cheese is a good choice if you prefer a less intense cheese flavour.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish. It has a mild and slightly tangy flavour, making it a good option if you want to enhance the creaminess without overwhelming the other flavours.
Sour Cream
While not a cheese per se, sour cream is often used in combination with other cheeses to add a tangy and creamy dimension to the dish. It helps to balance the richness of the cheeses and creates a smoother, more decadent sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is known for its stretchy, stringy texture when melted. It has a mild flavour and can be used as a topping or mixed into the dish. Mozzarella adds a creamy mouthfeel and a slightly salty taste.
Blue Cheese
For a more pungent and sharp flavour, blue cheese can be used. It has a distinct flavour and aroma that can enhance the taste of the dish. However, due to its strong personality, a small amount can go a long way.
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Rice casserole recipes
Hamburger Casserole
This recipe is quick and easy to make and is perfect for a busy night. It is a hearty dish that your family will love. You can also tweak the recipe to make it lighter by using ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Almond flour (or cornstarch)
- Cayenne pepper (or paprika)
- Salt and pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Minced garlic
- Ketchup
- Soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
- Macaroni pasta (dry uncooked)
- Water (or beef broth)
- Chopped broccoli
- Baby spinach
- Red pepper flakes
- Butter
- Half-and-half
- American and cheddar cheese
- Mushrooms (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon until it begins to cook.
- Add in the onions, salt, pepper, almond flour (or cornstarch), cayenne pepper (or paprika), and other seasonings. Stir and cook until the beef is browned.
- Add in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the ketchup, soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), dry macaroni, and water (or beef broth). Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Add in the milk, cheese, broccoli, spinach, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and serve warm.
Cheesy Rice Casserole
This recipe is a comforting and tasty dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is similar to a macaroni and cheese recipe but uses rice instead of pasta.
Ingredients:
- Rice (cooked)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
- In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Slowly add in the milk, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add in the shredded cheese, stirring until melted.
- Add the cooked rice to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a casserole dish and bake in the oven for a crispy top.
Hamburger and Rice Casserole
This recipe combines the heartiness of ground beef with the versatility of rice to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Bell pepper (chopped)
- Rice (cooked)
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, etc.)
- Cheese (shredded)
Directions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in the rice, tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasonings.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and cook until melted.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a casserole dish and bake in the oven for a crispy top.
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Vegetables to add
There are a variety of vegetables that can be added to hamburger rice macaroni and cheese to enhance the flavour and nutritional value of the dish. Here are some ideas:
Finely chopped vegetables: Carrots, celery, zucchini, and mushrooms can be finely chopped and added to the dish. These vegetables will add texture and flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients. You can also try adding corn or peas for a touch of sweetness and colour.
Garlic and onion: Minced garlic and finely chopped onions are a great addition to the dish. Sautéing the onions and garlic together before adding them to the macaroni will help to soften them and develop their sweeter notes. Onion powder can also be used as a substitute or in addition to fresh onions.
Chilli and spices: Adding some spice to the dish can enhance its flavour. Chilli powder, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper can provide a nice kick. For a more subtle warmth, you can use paprika. Other spices that can be added include cumin and black pepper.
Leafy greens: Spinach and broccoli are nutritious additions to the dish. These leafy greens can be chopped and mixed into the macaroni before baking.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes or fresh chopped tomatoes can be added to the dish. They provide a source of umami and a burst of freshness.
Other vegetables: Depending on your preference, you can also experiment with other vegetables such as avocado, zucchini, or carrots.
Remember, the key is to find a balance between the vegetables and the other ingredients in the dish. You can adjust the quantities of the vegetables based on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following.
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Spices and seasonings to include
Spices and seasonings are essential to enhancing the flavour of your hamburger rice macaroni and cheese dish. Here are some ideas for spices and seasonings to include:
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are classic seasonings that can be added to taste. They help bring out the flavours of the other ingredients and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Fresh Garlic
Garlic and onion powders add a savoury depth of flavour to the dish. Fresh garlic can also be added for a more intense garlicky note. You can sauté minced garlic along with onions to create a flavourful base for your dish.
Red Pepper Flakes and Cayenne Pepper
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can be added. These spices provide a nice contrast to the creamy cheese sauce and can be adjusted to your preferred level of heat.
Cumin and Chili Powder
Cumin and chili powder can be used to give your dish a Mexican-inspired twist. They add warmth and depth of flavour, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Paprika
Paprika is a versatile spice that can add a mild heat and a vibrant colour to your dish. It is commonly used in similar dishes, such as goulash, and can provide a subtle earthy sweetness.
Fresh or Dried Herbs
Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill can be added to bring a bright, fresh flavour to the dish. They can be mixed into the sauce or sprinkled on top as a garnish.
Feel free to experiment with the spices and seasonings that suit your taste preferences. You can also try adding other ingredients, such as mushrooms, spinach, or different types of cheese, to create a unique and personalised flavour profile for your hamburger rice macaroni and cheese dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Hamburger macaroni is a dish that combines ground beef, onions, seasonings, and macaroni. It's similar to Central European goulash but doesn't contain paprika.
You will need ground beef, onions, seasonings, macaroni, and cheese. You can also add other ingredients like sour cream, chicken or beef broth, and vegetables.
First, cook the ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add seasonings and macaroni. Finally, stir in the cheese until melted. You can also bake it in the oven as a casserole.
It typically takes around 20 minutes to prepare and cook hamburger macaroni and cheese.
Yes, you can add different types of cheese, vegetables, or spices to create different flavors. You can also try baking it in the oven as a casserole or making it in a slow cooker.
