Hamburger Mac Skillet
A hearty and flavorful skillet dish combining ground beef, vegetables, and macaroni in a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a comforting taste with minimal effort, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add the tomato juice, uncooked elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using lean ground beef or swapping it with ground turkey. You can also incorporate diced tomatoes for freshness. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a substitute. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños. This dish is a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hamburger Mac Skillet with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of cold iced tea or lemonade. For a fun twist, top each serving with shredded cheese or chopped green onions. This hearty dish is great for family dinners or as a potluck contribution.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Mac Skillet contains roughly 295 calories, with 13g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 965mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta shape like penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as necessary, as different pasta types may require varying amounts of time to cook through.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms for added texture. Also, use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for a richer flavor while keeping it vegetarian.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice things up, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when cooking. You could also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste. These additions will enhance the flavor profile and provide a nice kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).