Ultimate Comfort Food: Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish Recipes for Every Craving

Macaroni hot dish, sometimes affectionately referred to as goulash or simply “hamburger and macaroni,” is a cornerstone of Midwestern comfort food. It’s a dish that evokes memories of family dinners, potlucks, and cozy nights in. This versatile recipe is infinitely adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your family’s preferences. This article explores the classic hamburger macaroni hot dish and offers variations to elevate this simple meal into something truly special. From cheesy additions to spicy twists, get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food!

Why Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish is a Winner

Before diving into the recipes, let’s consider why this dish has remained a beloved classic for generations:

* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef and macaroni are economical staples, making this a perfect meal for feeding a crowd or sticking to a budget.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Customizable:** This dish is a blank canvas! Add vegetables, cheese, spices, or different sauces to create a unique flavor profile.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Even the pickiest eaters often enjoy this simple yet satisfying meal.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Macaroni hot dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks.
* **Comforting:** The combination of savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and flavorful sauce creates a warm and comforting experience.

The Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish Recipe

This recipe serves as the foundation for all the variations that follow. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious starting point.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup beef broth (or water)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

**Instructions:**

1. **Brown the Beef:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Add Garlic:** Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. **Add Tomatoes and Sauce:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir to combine.
5. **Add Broth and Seasonings:** Pour in the beef broth (or water). Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
7. **Add Macaroni:** Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the macaroni is submerged in the sauce. If necessary, add a little more beef broth or water.
8. **Cook Macaroni:** Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. **Add Cheese (Optional):** If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hot dish. Cover and let it melt for a few minutes, or broil briefly for a bubbly, golden-brown topping. *Watch carefully to prevent burning!*
10. **Serve:** Let the hot dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

**Tips for the Classic Recipe:**

* **Ground Beef:** You can use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce the fat content, or a ground beef with a higher fat percentage (80/20) for a richer flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
* **Tomato Products:** Use a good quality crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce for the best flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer, more concentrated tomato flavor.
* **Broth:** Beef broth adds more flavor, but water works just fine. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
* **Seasonings:** Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more or less salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Macaroni:** Use elbow macaroni or any other small pasta shape, such as ditalini or small shells.
* **Cheese:** Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can use other cheeses, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Make Ahead:** This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Variations on the Classic: Elevating Your Macaroni Hot Dish

Now that you have the basic recipe down, let’s explore some delicious variations to customize your hamburger macaroni hot dish:

1. Cheesy Deluxe Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish

This version takes the cheesy goodness to the next level!

**Ingredients:**

* All ingredients from the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed

**Instructions:**

1. Follow steps 1-8 of the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe.
2. Stir in the mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and evenly distributed.
3. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese (optional).
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

2. Spicy Southwest Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish

Add a kick of flavor with this Southwest-inspired variation.

**Ingredients:**

* All ingredients from the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions, for topping (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Follow steps 1-6 of the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe.
2. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Follow steps 7-8 of the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions (optional).

3. Creamy Tomato Basil Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish

This variation adds a touch of elegance with a creamy tomato basil sauce.

**Ingredients:**

* All ingredients from the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

**Instructions:**

1. Follow steps 1-8 of the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil. Heat through.
3. Serve immediately.

4. Mushroom and Swiss Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish

A more sophisticated take on the classic, featuring earthy mushrooms and nutty Swiss cheese.

**Ingredients:**

* All ingredients from the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe
* 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
* 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded or cubed
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

**Instructions:**

1. Follow steps 1-3 of the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe. Add the sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers, cooking until softened.
2. Follow steps 4-8 of the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe. Add the Worcestershire sauce along with the other seasonings.
3. Stir in the Swiss cheese until melted. You can reserve some for topping before baking if desired.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Hot Dish

Everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger, in a comforting hot dish!

**Ingredients:**

* All ingredients from the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe
* 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 1 tablespoon mustard
* Pickle slices, for topping (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the bacon until crisp. Crumble and set aside.
2. Follow steps 1-6 of the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe. Stir in the ketchup and mustard.
3. Follow steps 7-8 of the Classic Hamburger Macaroni Hot Dish recipe.
4. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon. Top with the remaining bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Top with pickle slices (optional) before serving.

6. Vegetarian Macaroni Hot Dish

Even without the meat, you can create a super satisfying hot dish. We’ll use lentils here for protein but you can sub with any other vegetarian protein alternative like tofu crumbles.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup cooked brown or green lentils (or 1 can, rinsed and drained)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the lentils and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water). Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
7. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the macaroni is submerged in the sauce. If necessary, add a little more vegetable broth or water.
8. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hot dish. Cover and let it melt for a few minutes, or broil briefly for a bubbly, golden-brown topping. *Watch carefully to prevent burning!*
10. Let the hot dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Macaroni Hot Dish

* **Don’t Overcook the Macaroni:** Overcooked macaroni will become mushy. Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
* **Use a Baking Dish:** For a casserole-style hot dish, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.
* **Broil for a Golden-Brown Top:** Broil the hot dish for a few minutes to create a bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before baking.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños for extra heat.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Stir in fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, for a burst of flavor.
* **Use Different Ground Meats:** Try using ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
* **Add Vegetables:** Get creative with the vegetables. Add chopped carrots, celery, mushrooms, peas, corn, or green beans.
* **Experiment with Cheeses:** Try different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyère.

Serving Suggestions

Macaroni hot dish is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with:

* A side salad
* Garlic bread
* Steamed vegetables
* Coleslaw

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover macaroni hot dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

## Conclusion

Hamburger macaroni hot dish is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With endless variations and customizable options, you can create a hot dish that suits your taste and preferences. So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy this classic comfort food!