Macaroni-Hamburger Casserole(For Electric Skillet)
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and flavorful tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to prepare in an electric skillet.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 8 oz. package elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- chopped parsley (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, cut tomatoes into small pieces; add diced celery, green pepper, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and celery salt. Set aside.
- Preheat frypan to 300°F; add vegetable oil and chopped onion; cook until just beginning to brown.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned.
- Increase heat to 400°F, stirring frequently, until meat is browned.
- Remove excess fat from the pan, then add the tomato mixture.
- Stir and bring to a boil.
- Cover the pan, close the vent, and reduce heat to medium; simmer for at least 25 minutes.
- Add cooked, rinsed, and drained macaroni to the mixture.
- Simmer for 15 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. To save time, you can also use pre-diced vegetables. Make sure to taste and adjust seasonings as necessary; everyone's palate is different.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple side salad for a balanced meal. Crusty bread or garlic bread also pairs nicely to soak up the flavorful sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving. This dish is a comforting alternative to traditional American recipes like Mom'S French Chef Meat Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni-Hamburger Casserole(For Electric Skillet) contains roughly 542 calories, with 27g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (190% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value), and potassium (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1082mg per serving (47% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before adding the macaroni. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to serve, simply add the cooked macaroni and simmer until heated through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed thoroughly.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is filling on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad. A light vinaigrette can complement the flavors nicely. For a comforting touch, serve with some warm, crusty bread.
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).