Hot Beef Macaroni Salad
A hearty and flavorful macaroni salad with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a savory wine-based sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 c. elbow macaroni ⓘ
- boiling water ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. extra lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red cooking wine
- 1/2 c. chili sauce or ketchup
- 1 green pepper, seeded ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling water for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet with butter, minced onion, salt, and flour until fully cooked.
- Add red cooking wine, chili sauce or ketchup, diced green pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then toss with the cooked macaroni.
- Fold in shredded cheese, reserving some for garnish, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of cheeses such as cheddar and mozzarella. If you prefer a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have red cooking wine, beef broth can work as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Hot Beef Macaroni Salad can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Carol'S Zesty Chili for a comforting dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, then warm in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Beef Macaroni Salad contains roughly 125 calories, with 4g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2005mg per serving (87% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cook the macaroni ahead of time. Combine them just before serving to keep the macaroni from becoming mushy. Store the components separately in the fridge for up to two days.
What type of cheese works best in this salad?
A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese works wonderfully for this recipe. However, feel free to use any cheese you enjoy, such as pepper jack for added spice or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or lentils for a vegetarian version. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the texture and flavor.
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).