I’ve been scheduled to have surgery in a couple of weeks. I’m thrilled to have the surgery but less than thrilled about the six week recovery time. What are we supposed to do for meals during this time? I know Bryan would gladly prepare meals when he’s home. Of course, his idea of meals consists of some sort of grilled meat and either macaroni and cheese, potato chips, or a bagged salad. I could also see us eating a lot of take-out. I decided the best way to combat this problem was to prepare some freezer or pantry meals in advance like this Easy Hamburger Mac Recipe.
Easy Hamburger Mac Recipe:
When I found it, years ago, I was still in college. The original name ‘Dinner in a Bag’ caught my eye. Basically, you put the pantry ingredients in a small paper bag and labeled it ‘dinner in a bag.’ Then you knew the ingredients were on hand. It seemed simple enough and was a hearty meal served with some French bread and one of those bagged salads. I decided it was a perfect time to make this again since I always keep these ingredients on hand.
Although I no longer keep it in a bag in my pantry, you can if you want. You can even measure out the spices and store them together in a small airtight container. If you don’t feel like chopping up an onion, use my handy tip. I purchase a bunch of onions when they are on markdown. I peel them, quarter them, and place them in the food processor for about 10 to 15 seconds. Then, I bag the onions into 1 cup serving sizes and place them in the freezer to use whenever I need them. I only use these onions in cooked dishes. I’ve never had anyone tell them they could taste the difference between fresh and frozen.
You can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting gluten-free macaroni. If you prefer a vegan meal, use your favorite soy meat crumbles instead of the hamburger meat.
Printable Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 (29 ounces) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat for approximately 6 to 7 minutes.
- Drain the meat and return to the pan.
- Mix together the salt, chili powder, pepper, sugar, and stewed tomatoes in a medium bowl.
- Add the stewed tomato mixture to the ground beef mixture and stir.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni until blended.
- Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for approximately 20 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
Money Saving Tip
Buy hamburger meat in bulk-sized packages. The meat is usually up to 50 cents cheaper per pound or even more if it’s on sale. Divide the meat into one pound portions and place in an airtight freezer bag. You can freeze the beef for up to four months.
Do you have a favorite recipe like this Easy Hamburger Mac you use when you’re in a hurry? What’s your favorite meal to keep in the freezer? I’d love some suggestions.
Now this looks like a good, simple, comfort food I need to try ASAP!! YUM!
This looks like a great recipe, I’m going to share it with my son in college. I think he and his roommates would really like it.
I loved hamburger mac when I was growing up. I can’t wait to try this recipe for my kiddos. They will love it
Good to stumble upon this website and see this recipe. Indeed a very easy thing to do! Hopefully everything would turn out very well.
This has a few ingredients, I think i can make this tonight. It looks so delicious!
Hmm, I can’t remember the last time I had hamburger mac. Thanks for the reminder. It’s about time to make one again.
I have to try this, I don’t think I can hamburger another day!!
What a great idea to make this dish! I am sure it will be a new favorite in our house! Looks amazingly delicious!
That looks good! I like the simple dishes that say “home” like this one does! Sometimes easy is all I can do!
This looks quick and easy and I know so much better than the box ones we use to eat back in the day. Can’t wait to add this to my weekly meals
This is a great recipe to whip up on a night when something elaborate is not an option. Your recipe looks so full of flavour. I can’t wait to try it out at home.
Wow, this is such a perfect recipe to make for my family on this weekend. It so easy to make and it is so delicious!
I used to make something very similar. My family loves it! I have to try to make a meatless version for them soon.
Chili Mac is one dish my husband totally enjoys. I enjoy that it is so easy to make and feeds a bunch. Plus doesn’t cost a small fortune.
Oh yes please, this would make a tasty dinner. I love that it’s easy to make. I need to start freezing some meat.
This looks good but I don’t eat beef. I can make it with veggie crumbles though and it will be awesome!