There’s something timeless about sitting down with a big, steaming bowl of beefaroni. The name alone stirs memories — maybe it’s the scent of tomato sauce wafting through the house on a cold evening, or the way the cheesy, beefy pasta clings to the spoon, promising pure comfort with every bite.
Beefaroni is a dish that has warmed generations of tables, especially in American households where simple, hearty meals reign supreme. While it’s often thought of as a humble school lunch or a quick weeknight fix, homemade beefaroni transforms the classic into something richer, more flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
For many families, beefaroni is more than just pasta and sauce — it’s a link to childhood, a reminder of cozy dinners after a long day, or a go-to recipe when you want something that fills the house with warmth. I remember making this with my mom on rainy weekends, the two of us laughing in the kitchen as we stirred the pot and snuck tastes of the sauce. It wasn’t just about the food — it was about the time together, the simplicity, and the joy of making something that always hit the spot.
This homemade beefaroni recipe stays true to those roots but elevates the flavors with tender ground beef, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce touched with garlic and herbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made to share.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Comfort: Creamy, beefy, saucy pasta that soothes your soul.
- Easy & Family-Friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple, pantry-staple ingredients you probably already have.
- Leftovers Are Even Better: The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day a real treat.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BEEFARONI
Step-by-Step Beefaroni Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the beefaroni sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. This is when the magic happens — the flavors meld, and the sauce thickens just enough to cling to the pasta later.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat every piece of pasta with that rich, beefy tomato sauce.
Step 6: Optional Cheesy Finish
If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted and gooey.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the beefaroni into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot. Watch as everyone at the table lights up with joy!
Helpful Tip
- Use Ground Lamb: If you prefer, you can swap ground beef for ground lamb for a richer flavor.
- Make It Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end.
- Add Vegetables: Sneak in some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so make extra and store it for busy nights.
DETAILS
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly, Nut-Free
NOTES
You can easily adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make beefaroni ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze beefaroni?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you can also use small shells, penne, or rotini.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Related Recipes
If you liked this beefaroni recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
- Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
Conclusion
Homemade beefaroni is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug. It’s unfussy, flavorful, and deeply nostalgic. Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and full bellies.
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The Ultimate Homemade Beefaroni
Description
There’s something timeless about sitting down with a big, steaming bowl of beefaroni. The name alone stirs memories — maybe it’s the scent of tomato sauce wafting through the house on a cold evening, or the way the cheesy, beefy pasta clings to the spoon, promising pure comfort with every bite.
Beefaroni is a dish that has warmed generations of tables, especially in American households where simple, hearty meals reign supreme. While it’s often thought of as a humble school lunch or a quick weeknight fix, homemade beefaroni transforms the classic into something richer, more flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
For many families, beefaroni is more than just pasta and sauce — it’s a link to childhood, a reminder of cozy dinners after a long day, or a go-to recipe when you want something that fills the house with warmth. I remember making this with my mom on rainy weekends, the two of us laughing in the kitchen as we stirred the pot and snuck tastes of the sauce. It wasn’t just about the food — it was about the time together, the simplicity, and the joy of making something that always hit the spot.
This homemade beefaroni recipe stays true to those roots but elevates the flavors with tender ground beef, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce touched with garlic and herbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made to share.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the beefaroni sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. This is when the magic happens — the flavors meld, and the sauce thickens just enough to cling to the pasta later.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat every piece of pasta with that rich, beefy tomato sauce.
Step 6: Optional Cheesy Finish
If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted and gooey.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the beefaroni into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot. Watch as everyone at the table lights up with joy!
Notes
You can easily adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
