Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beefaroni is the perfect balance of pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce, creating a filling and flavorful meal. It’s like a homemade version of the popular canned variety but much more flavorful, customizable, and fresh. The addition of seasonings, melted cheese, and a dash of Italian herbs gives this dish its signature taste, while the rich tomato sauce makes it incredibly comforting. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta of your choice)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the tomato sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Add the dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Combine with pasta: Once the sauce has thickened and is heated through, stir in the cooked pasta and toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Add cheese: If you want a cheesy Beefaroni, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and combined. Alternatively, you can sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top and broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Beefaroni: Add a bit of hot sauce or chili powder to spice things up.
Make it creamy: Stir in some heavy cream or a little cream cheese to make the sauce creamy and rich.
Make it a casserole: Once you mix the pasta with the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Beefaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it until al dente, as it will be mixed into the sauce.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter version of Beefaroni. It will still be delicious and flavorful!

3. Can I make Beefaroni ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Beefaroni ahead of time. Simply store the sauce and cooked pasta separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve. You can also assemble it into a casserole and bake it later.

4. How can I make Beefaroni spicier?

To make it spicier, you can add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.

5. Can I freeze Beefaroni?

Yes, Beefaroni freezes well. After making the dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the oven or on the stovetop.

6. Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes! You can stir in some mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese into the sauce to make it extra creamy and cheesy.

Conclusion

Beefaroni is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. It’s easy to make, quick to prepare, and perfect for feeding a family. Whether you keep it simple or add your own creative twists, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of Beefaroni today!

Beefaroni

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Beefaroni is a classic comfort food dish made with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Catherine
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the tomato sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Add the dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Combine with pasta: Once the sauce has thickened and is heated through, stir in the cooked pasta and toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Add cheese: If you want a cheesy Beefaroni, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and combined. Alternatively, you can sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top and broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot!

Notes

Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.To make it creamy, stir in heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.For a casserole, bake the Beefaroni with cheese on top for a few minutes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 430
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 50mg