The Garbage Plate is a legendary dish from Rochester, New York, known for its hearty, messy, and utterly satisfying combination of flavors. It typically features a base of macaroni salad and home fries, topped with your choice of meat (often hamburger or hot dogs), and smothered in a tangy meat sauce, onions, and mustard. This recipe recreates the iconic plate at home, delivering a deliciously chaotic meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in a truly unique comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- For the Macaroni Salad:
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) white vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1/2 cup (75 g) finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup (40 g) finely diced onion
- For the Home Fries:
- 2 lbs (900 g) russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) paprika (optional)
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp (5 g) chili powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Toppings:
- 4 hot dogs (or 4 hamburger patties, see variations)
- 1 cup (240 ml) yellow mustard
- 1 cup (240 ml) finely chopped onions (for topping)
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Make the macaroni salad: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain thoroughly. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the cooled macaroni, celery, and onion, and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the other components.
- Make the home fries: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender inside. Keep warm.
- Make the meat sauce: While the potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Drain off excess fat if desired. Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Keep warm.
- Cook the hot dogs: While the sauce simmers, cook the hot dogs according to package instructions (grill, pan-fry, or boil). If using hamburger patties, cook them to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) as measured with a food thermometer.
- Assemble the plates: For each serving, place a generous scoop of macaroni salad on one side of a plate and a scoop of home fries on the other. Place a hot dog (or hamburger patty) on top of the potatoes. Ladle a generous amount of meat sauce over the entire plate. Sprinkle with chopped onions and drizzle with mustard. Serve immediately with hot sauce on the side.
Tips
- Make it ahead: The macaroni salad and meat sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat the meat sauce gently on the stovetop, and let the macaroni salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
- Customize your base: While macaroni salad and home fries are classic, you can swap the home fries for French fries or tater tots for a different texture. The key is to have a starchy base to soak up the sauce.
- Don’t skip the mustard and onions: The bright, sharp flavors of raw onions and yellow mustard cut through the richness of the meat sauce and salads, balancing the dish. Adjust the amounts to your preference.
- Control the heat: The cayenne in the meat sauce adds a subtle kick. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce or omit it. For extra heat, serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
The Garbage Plate is a complete meal in itself, but you can round it out with some classic sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Pickles and hot peppers are also great on the side. For a truly authentic experience, serve it on a paper plate with plastic utensils, as it’s meant to be a casual, hearty meal.
Variations
- Cheeseburger Plate: Replace the hot dogs with two hamburger patties per serving, and top with a slice of American cheese while they’re still hot.
- Chicken Finger Plate: Use crispy chicken fingers instead of hot dogs or burgers. This is a popular variation in Rochester.
- Vegetarian Plate: Substitute the meat sauce with a lentil-based sauce or your favorite vegetarian chili. Use vegetarian hot dogs or a veggie burger patty. Cook the vegetarian patties according to package instructions.
- Home Fry Base: Some versions use only home fries as the base, without the macaroni salad. Feel free to adjust the proportions to your liking.
Storage and Reheating
Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The macaroni salad will keep well, and the meat sauce and home fries can be reheated. To reheat, warm the meat sauce and home fries in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. The macaroni salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Garbage Plate? A Garbage Plate is a Rochester, New York, specialty consisting of a base of macaroni salad and home fries (or French fries), topped with a choice of meat (usually hamburger, hot dogs, or both), and covered in a tangy meat sauce, onions, and mustard. It’s known for being messy, hearty, and delicious.
Why is it called a Garbage Plate? The name is said to come from the fact that it looks like a plate of leftover scraps, with everything piled together. It was popularized by Nick Tahou Hots in Rochester, though similar plates exist at other local establishments. The exact origin is disputed, but the name has stuck.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the macaroni salad and meat sauce a day in advance. The home fries are best made fresh, but you can also reheat them. Assemble the plates just before serving to keep everything hot and fresh.
What if I don’t have all the spices for the meat sauce? You can use a store-bought chili seasoning mix or simply use a combination of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. The key is to have a savory, slightly tangy sauce. Adjust the spices to your taste.
Is the Garbage Plate spicy? The meat sauce has a mild heat from the cayenne, but it’s not overly spicy. The heat level is easily adjustable—add more cayenne or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who want extra kick.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey can be used. Since it’s leaner, you may need to add a little oil to the pan and ensure it’s cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for ground poultry.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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