Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it heat up.
Once hot, add 4 cups of diced potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 15-20 minutes. These will serve as the home fries for your Garbage Plate.
In another skillet, cook your chosen protein. For hamburger patties, cook them over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
If using hot dogs, grill or fry them until they are heated through and have a nice char, about 5 minutes.
For a grilled cheese sandwich, butter two slices of bread, place cheese in between, and cook in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts and the bread is golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
If opting for baked beans, heat them in a saucepan over medium heat until they are warmed through, about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of cooked macaroni with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in 1/4 cup of diced onions and 1/4 cup of diced celery for added crunch.
Chill the macaroni salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
Add 1/2 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt to taste.
Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
On a large plate, start with a bed of the home fries.
Next, add a generous scoop of the chilled macaroni salad.
Place your chosen protein on top of the base.
Pour the spicy meat sauce over the protein and base.
Garnish with diced onions, a drizzle of mustard, and ketchup to taste.
For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce.
Serve the Garbage Plate hot, ensuring all components are at their peak flavor and temperature.
Additional notes
The Garbage Plate offers endless customization options. You can adjust the base by swapping home fries with french fries or hash browns. For the protein, you might choose sausage, chicken, or even vegetarian patties. Toppings can also vary; some prefer a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cheese to enhance the flavor profile.
Ideally, you should serve the Garbage Plate hot, directly from the skillet to maintain its warmth and crispiness. Accompanying the dish with a cold beverage like beer or soda helps balance the spicy and rich flavors. For a complete meal, they can add a side of coleslaw or a pickle spear.
