A Garbage Plate is a Rochester, New York favorite loaded with crispy home fries or French fries, macaroni salad, and a savory ground beef meat sauce. Finish it with ketchup, mustard, chopped onions, pickles, or hot sauce for an easy homemade version of this famous Rochester dish.
Living in New York, I enjoy sharing some of the regional dishes our state is known for. While my hometown of Utica has Chicken Riggies and Utica Greens, Rochester has the famous Garbage Plate—a completely different kind of local favorite that’s fun to recreate at home.
Why I Love Rochester Garbage Plate
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Garbage Plate originated in Rochester, New York in the 1920s? Legend has it that it was first served at Nick Tahou Hots, a local restaurant. Originally called the “Hots and Potatoes,” it later became known as the Garbage Plate due to its mishmash appearance. Despite its unconventional name, it has become a beloved culinary icon in Rochester and beyond, with various versions and interpretations popping up over the years. So, next time you’re enjoying a Garbage Plate, remember that you’re tasting a piece of Rochester area history!
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Ground Beef: Creates the hearty base for the homemade meat sauce.
- Onion: Adds savory flavor to the beef as it cooks. You’ll also want extra chopped onion if you like it as a topping.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds flavor to the meat sauce.
- Chili Powder: Adds warmth and seasoning without making the sauce overly spicy.
- Paprika: Adds another layer of mild, savory flavor.
- Cumin: Gives the sauce a warm, earthy flavor.
- Cinnamon & Allspice: Small amounts add the distinctive warm spice flavor to the meat sauce.
- Beef Broth: Adds moisture and beefy flavor while the sauce simmers.
- Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Home Fries or French Fries: Form the base of the Garbage Plate. Either one works.
- Macaroni Salad: Adds the cool, creamy layer that contrasts with the hot fries and meat sauce.
- Toppings: Ketchup, mustard, chopped onion, and sliced pickles are optional, so everyone can finish their plate the way they like it.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Rochester Garbage Plate
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute to toast the spices.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Keep warm.
- Divide the home fries or French fries among serving plates as the base.
- Top the fries with a generous portion of macaroni salad.
- Ladle a hearty portion of the meat sauce over the macaroni salad.
- Optionally, drizzle ketchup and mustard over the top and sprinkle with chopped onions.
- Garnish with sliced pickles on the side for a traditional touch.
- Serve the Garage Plates hot and fresh, allowing everyone to mix the layers together to enjoy all the flavors in each bite.
- Accompany with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick. Enjoy!
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Break the beef into small pieces: Crumble the ground beef finely as it cooks to give the meat sauce the right texture.
- Let the meat sauce simmer: Give it the full 15–20 minutes so the flavors come together and the sauce has time to thicken.
- Keep the fries crispy: Prepare the home fries or French fries just before assembling so they don’t get soggy before the meat sauce goes on.
- Serve the macaroni salad cold: The cool, creamy macaroni salad is a great contrast to the hot fries and meat sauce.
- Build the plates right before serving: Have all your toppings ready, then assemble each Garbage Plate while the fries and meat sauce are still hot.
FAQs about Rochester NY Garbage Plates
More New York Recipes I Love
Garbage Plate
Rochester Garbage Plate with crispy fries, macaroni salad, and homemade ground beef meat sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
For the Plates:
- 1 lb home fries or French fries
- 1 lb macaroni salad
- Ketchup and mustard (optional)
- Chopped onions (optional)
- Sliced pickles (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute to toast the spices.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Keep warm.
- Divide the home fries or French fries among serving plates as the base.
- Top the fries with a generous portion of macaroni salad.
- Ladle a hearty portion of the meat sauce over the macaroni salad.
- Optionally, drizzle ketchup and mustard over the top and sprinkle with chopped onions.
- Garnish with sliced pickles on the side for a traditional touch.
- Serve the Garage Plates hot and fresh, allowing everyone to mix the layers together to enjoy all the flavors in each bite.
- Accompany with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick. Enjoy!
Notes
Break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks and let the meat sauce simmer until thickened. Prepare the fries just before serving so they stay crispy. Assemble the plates right before serving and add ketchup, mustard, onions, pickles, or your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 779Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 1227mgCarbohydrates: 71gFiber: 5gSugar: 15gProtein: 41g
