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Homemade Beefaroni

Homemade Beefaroni

This Homemade Beefaroni recipe is a quick and comforting family dinner dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a versatile, flavorful, and hearty meal that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Pasta

  • 1 pound ground beef (lean for a healthier option)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, etc.)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat for a leaner dish while retaining beef flavor.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onions to the skillet and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute to develop aroma.
  3. Combine Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.
  4. Cook and Drain Pasta: Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to avoid watery sauce, then add the pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the beef and pasta mixture. Cover briefly until the cheese melts into a creamy layer that binds the dish together.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and onions to enhance flavor vibrancy.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente holds texture better when combined with sauce.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to balance flavors perfectly.
  • Allow the dish to rest a few minutes off heat to deepen and meld flavors.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like smoked gouda or provolone for unique finishing touches.

Nutrition

Keywords: beefaroni, ground beef pasta, comfort food, family dinner, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe