Homemade Beefaroni Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic

Comfort food takes on a nostalgic twist with this hearty beefaroni recipe that brings childhood memories rushing back.

Packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, this classic dish combines tender ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta in a zesty tomato sauce.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Every bite delivers a satisfying blend of meaty goodness and tangy sauce that kids and adults adore.

The recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a delicious one-pot wonder that feels like a warm hug.

Quick, easy, and utterly delectable, this beefaroni promises to become a regular rotation in your meal planning.

Dig in and savor every comforting spoonful of this timeless favorite.

Reasons You’ll Love This Classic Beefaroni Dish

• Prepare a complete meal in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making cooking super easy for busy families.
• Enjoy a rich, savory dish packed with tender beef, aromatic herbs, and a robust tomato sauce that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Create a delicious dinner using affordable ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Checklist for Easy Beefaroni

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that forms the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Elbow Macaroni: A pasta shape that perfectly catches and holds the rich sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a smooth, tangy foundation for the entire recipe.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory flavor to the meat sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Enhance the overall taste profile with warm and herbal notes.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other flavors in the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnishes that add a final touch of flavor and freshness to the beefaroni.

How to Whip Up Homemade Beefaroni

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef and Onions

Grab a large skillet and warm it up over medium heat.

Toss in the ground beef and onions, breaking apart the meat with a wooden spoon.

Let everything sizzle and cook until the beef turns completely brown and onions become soft and translucent, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic

Once the beef looks perfectly cooked, sprinkle in the minced garlic.

Stir quickly and let it dance around for about a minute until its aromatic fragrance fills your kitchen.

Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

Time to build your sauce!

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet and mix everything thoroughly.

Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring to develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 4: Cook Pasta to Perfection

While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, typically 7-9 minutes.

Once done, drain the pasta completely.

Step 5: Combine and Serve with Love

Unite the pasta with your delicious meat sauce by adding the drained macaroni directly into the skillet.

Toss everything together until each pasta piece is beautifully coated.

Serve immediately and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or fresh parsley on top.

Best Tips for Delicious and Simple Beefaroni

• Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop a rich, caramelized taste that enhances the overall dish's depth.
• Add minced garlic at the end of meat cooking and stir quickly to release its aroma without scorching, which can create a bitter taste.
• Salt the boiling water generously and cook pasta just until al dente to ensure it doesn't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Let the sauce simmer uncovered to allow natural reduction, creating a thicker, more concentrated flavor without added thickeners.
• Make a double batch and freeze portions for easy weeknight dinners, ensuring you always have a comforting meal ready in minutes.

Keep & Reheat Beefaroni the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled beefaroni to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour leftovers into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Great Pairings for Your Beefaroni Night

• Pair Classic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty tomato sauce, enhancing the dish's robust flavors without overpowering the delicate pasta.
• Create Crisp Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty beefaroni and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory meal.
• Serve Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare toasted garlic bread with a crispy exterior and soft center, allowing diners to soak up extra sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal's texture profile.
• Select Cool Craft Beer: Opt for an amber ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the richness of the beef and stands up to the tomato sauce's bold taste, creating a satisfying dining experience.

Easy Ways to Tweak Your Beefaroni Recipe

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Beefaroni: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based ingredients to create a protein-rich, meat-free version of the classic dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce the sauce's carbohydrate content by using a low-sugar tomato sauce and adding extra vegetables for bulk and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Omit Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use dairy-free alternatives that complement the robust tomato and beef flavors while keeping the recipe allergen-friendly.

FAQs

• Is beefaroni a healthy meal?

While tasty, beefaroni is moderate in nutrition. Ground beef provides protein, but the dish can be high in calories and sodium. Consider using lean ground beef and whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare beefaroni in advance. Cook the sauce and pasta separately, then combine before serving. Store components in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain pasta texture.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures good flavor and prevents the sauce from becoming too greasy. Lean ground beef (90/10) can work but might result in a slightly drier dish.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive ground beef cuts, buy pasta and sauce during sales, and consider using dried herbs instead of fresh. Buying ingredients in bulk can also help reduce overall cost.

Beefaroni Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Beefaroni brings classic comfort straight from childhood memories to dinner tables. Pasta twirls with seasoned ground beef create a nostalgic meal you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
• 28 ounces (794 grams) tomato sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef and onions, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until thoroughly browned and onions are translucent, approximately 6 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning, and cook until aromatic, about 45 seconds.
3. Enhance the mixture with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour tomato sauce into the skillet, thoroughly blending ingredients.
4. Reduce heat to low, allowing sauce to gently simmer for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and develop deeper flavors.
5. Simultaneously, prepare elbow macaroni in a separate pot of salted boiling water, cooking until al dente, typically 8 minutes.
6. Drain pasta completely, then transfer directly into the simmering meat sauce, carefully folding to ensure even coating.
7. Mix thoroughly, ensuring each pasta strand is enveloped in the rich, savory sauce.
8. Remove from heat and plate immediately, optionally garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Enhance flavor depth by deglazing the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the meat, adding complexity to the sauce.
• This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg