Go Back
- 1 lb ground beef - 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) The main ingredients form the heart of your Beefaroni. Ground beef gives it a rich flavor. The elbow macaroni holds the sauce and makes every bite satisfying. Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes add moisture and a tangy taste. - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste These seasonings bring life to your dish. Onion and garlic add depth. Dried oregano and basil give it warmth and earthiness. The sugar balances the acid in the tomatoes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for the best flavor. - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Optional garnishes: fresh basil leaves Cheese makes everything better! Mozzarella adds creaminess. Parmesan gives a salty, nutty kick. Fresh basil leaves can brighten up the dish and look nice too. You can add these before serving for that special touch. For the full recipe, check out the Ultimate Beefaroni Delight. First, get a large skillet and heat it over medium. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into smaller bits. Cook the beef until it turns brown and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Once done, carefully drain any extra fat from the pan. Next, add 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir the onion and garlic with the beef for 3-4 minutes. Keep cooking until the onion becomes soft and clear. This step adds a lot of flavor to your Beefaroni. Pour in 1 can of tomato sauce and 1 can of diced tomatoes. Make sure to include the juices from the diced tomatoes. Then, add 2 cups of beef broth to the mix. Stir in 1 tablespoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar and season with salt and pepper. Turn up the heat a little to bring it to a gentle simmer. Now it’s time to add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cover the skillet and let it cook on medium-low heat. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the pasta soak up the flavors. Take the skillet off the heat and mix in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure it blends well with the pasta and sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This will melt the cheese and make it bubbly. Serve the Beefaroni hot in deep bowls. For a nice touch, you can sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper on top. You might also try adding a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. Consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves for color and taste. Follow these steps for a simple yet tasty Beefaroni dish that everyone will love. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - Adjusting seasonings to taste: Start with the recipe's seasonings. Taste as you cook. If you want more flavor, add more oregano or basil. You can also add a pinch of salt or pepper. Don't be afraid to experiment! - How to avoid sticky pasta: Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks. This helps prevent it from sticking together. If you find it sticky, add a splash of beef broth or water. This will loosen it up nicely. - Making in advance: You can make Beefaroni ahead of time. Just follow the recipe and cool it before storing. Place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. - Reheating instructions: For reheating, use the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Heat until hot all the way through. - Best skillet types: A large non-stick skillet is great for this dish. It helps with easy cooking and cleanup. You can also use a cast-iron skillet for added flavor. - Helpful kitchen tools: A good spatula is key for stirring. A wooden spoon works well too. Use measuring cups for the pasta and broth to keep everything just right. {{image_4}} You can easily change the meat in this dish. If you want a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef. It keeps the flavor while reducing fat. You can also use plant-based meat for a veggie version. This will still give you that hearty feel. For those who need gluten-free meals, try gluten-free pasta. Many types are available. Brown rice or lentil pasta works well here. They hold the sauce nicely and taste great with the beefaroni. Adding veggies can boost your Beefaroni. Try bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. These add color, flavor, and nutrition. Chop them small and mix them in while cooking. This way, they blend right in. Spice it up by adding chili powder or paprika. A dash of cayenne pepper gives it heat. If you prefer, add Italian herbs like thyme or rosemary. These give more depth to your dish. Pair your Beefaroni with a simple side salad. A fresh salad adds crunch and balances the meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread. This makes a hearty dinner that everyone loves. For lunch, pack Beefaroni in a thermos. It stays warm and tasty. You can add some crackers on the side. This makes it fun and filling for kids and adults alike. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! After you enjoy your Beefaroni, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use a sealed container to keep it fresh. Make sure to cool the dish down before refrigerating. This helps avoid condensation inside the container. Your Beefaroni will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the Beefaroni cool completely. Then, pack it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, just warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well to heat evenly. Your Beefaroni can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it stays good for 3 months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any off smells or mold. If it smells bad or looks strange, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your homemade Beefaroni while it’s fresh! For the full recipe, check out Ultimate Beefaroni Delight. Making this dish is quick and easy. The total time is about 30 minutes. You need around 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. Cooking takes about 20 minutes. With a little planning, you can enjoy this meal fast. Yes, you can make it vegetarian. Use lentils or mushrooms as meat substitutes. Crumbled tempeh also works well. These options add great texture and flavor. You can follow the same steps as the original recipe, making it a fun twist. You can add many ingredients to boost flavor. Try adding chopped bell peppers or spinach. A dash of hot sauce can give it a kick. For a smoky taste, mix in some cooked bacon or sausage. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also add a nice touch. Absolutely! You can swap mozzarella for cheddar or gouda. Each cheese brings unique flavors. Cheddar adds a sharp taste, while gouda gives a creamy one. You can also mix cheeses for a richer flavor. Experiment and find what you love best! In this article, we explored how to make The Best Homemade Beefaroni. We covered the main ingredients, like beef, pasta, and sauce. You learned how to prepare and combine these items, as well as tips for perfecting the dish. Remember, you can substitute ingredients for variety and make meal prep easy. Beefaroni is not just a meal; it’s a way to gather and enjoy. Try this recipe for your next family dinner, and have fun with it!

The Best Homemade Beefaroni

Get ready to savor the Ultimate Beefaroni Delight! This hearty and comforting dish features ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich blend of tomato sauce and spices, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for a family meal or a cozy night in, this recipe is quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this delicious Beefaroni for your next dinner!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

2 cups elbow macaroni pasta

2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, using a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-10 minutes. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.

    Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

      Combine Sauces and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (including their juices), along with the beef broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, granulated sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

        Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the simmering mixture. Cover the skillet and let it cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is cooked through and has absorbed some of the liquid.

          Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until well incorporated.

            Melt the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly.

              Serve: Dish out the Beefaroni Delight while it’s hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.

                - Prep Time: 10 mins

                  - Total Time: 30 mins

                    - Servings: 4-6

                      Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls for a comforting meal and consider adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil before serving for an extra touch!