A Hearty and Family-Friendly Favorite
Beefaroni is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and rich, cheesy goodness. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a homemade meal that the whole family will love!
A Nostalgic Dish with a Homemade Twist
Beefaroni brings back childhood memories of cozy dinners and quick meals after school. While store-bought versions exist, making it from scratch takes the dish to a whole new level. This version is packed with flavor, featuring a savory tomato sauce, perfectly seasoned beef, and a gooey cheese topping that melts beautifully into the pasta.
There are many ways to tweak Beefaroni—some like it extra saucy, others prefer a baked version with a crispy cheese crust. However you make it, this dish delivers classic comfort in every bite.
Ingredient Notes
What You’ll Need
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape for holding sauce and cheese.
- Ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base.
- Onion & garlic: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Tomato sauce & diced tomatoes: Creates a rich, tangy base.
- Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Cheddar & mozzarella cheese: A blend of cheeses for ultimate creaminess.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
- Salt & black pepper: For seasoning.
Substitutions & Alternatives
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well. Stir in half of the cheese, letting it melt into the mixture.
6. Serve or Bake
For a classic stovetop version, serve immediately with the remaining cheese sprinkled on top. For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Expert Tips for the Best Beefaroni
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts better and adds a creamier texture.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks make a great accompaniment.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerating & Freezing
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container.
Reheating
- Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth.
- For baked leftovers, warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Beefaroni ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shell pasta work well too.
What cheese works best for Beefaroni?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great choices, but you can also use Parmesan or provolone for added depth.
Final Thoughts
Beefaroni is the kind of meal that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it out and let me know your favorite way to enjoy Beefaroni—share your variations in the comments!
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Beefaroni: A Cheesy and Comforting Classic
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Beefaroni is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and rich, cheesy goodness. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a homemade meal that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 (16-ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and stir in the butter.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until evenly browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix the cooked macaroni, browned beef, tomato sauce, and 1½ cups of shredded Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce mixture.
- Feel free to incorporate vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 473
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 782mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
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