Homemade Beefaroni Recipe: Kid-Friendly Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this nostalgic beefaroni recipe that brings back childhood memories.

Pasta and ground beef create a hearty blend of flavors that dance on your taste buds.

Weeknight dinners become effortless with this simple yet satisfying meal.

Rich tomato sauce coats every single pasta tube, ensuring maximum deliciousness in each bite.

The combination of tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this classic recipe with ease.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to savor a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

Beefaroni: What You’ll Need for This Family Favorite

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that serves as the main component of the dish.

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that provides a comforting base for the beefaroni.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory flavor to the meat sauce.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: These create a rich, tangy base for the sauce and help bind the ingredients together.

• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Salt, Pepper: These spices enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish and provide traditional Italian-inspired seasoning.

• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that adds creamy richness and extra flavor to the beefaroni.

Gear and Kitchen Tools for Easy Beefaroni

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire dish, with high sides for easy stirring.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking apart ground beef and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Knife: Sharp tool for dicing onions and mincing garlic precisely.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate for adding the right amount of salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Pot: Required for boiling and cooking pasta according to package instructions.

Cooking Beefaroni from Start to Finish

Step 1: Sizzle The Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking.

Let the meat brown nicely, creating delicious caramelized edges that boost flavor.

Step 2: Boost Flavor With Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their sweet and savory aroma throughout the skillet.

Step 3: Create A Robust Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Allow the sauce to simmer gently, letting all the flavors meld and develop a rich, deep taste.

Let it bubble softly for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Prepare The Pasta

Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water according to package directions until perfectly tender.

Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander, shaking off excess water.

Step 5: Marry The Ingredients

Combine the browned beef sauce with the cooked pasta, stirring to ensure every pasta piece gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then cover the skillet.

Let the cheese melt into gooey goodness for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Scoop the steaming beefaroni into bowls.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Tips for Rich, Hearty Beefaroni

• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Slightly undercook the macaroni since it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot beef sauce, preventing mushy texture.
• Let cheese melt naturally by covering the skillet, which helps distribute heat evenly and creates a creamy, smooth consistency.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes for extra depth and subtle kick to the classic recipe.
• This dish reheats wonderfully, so prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals.

Easy Ways to Vary Your Beefaroni Recipe

• Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that delivers the same hearty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Beefaroni: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern spin on the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrates and increase vegetable intake while maintaining the rich beef and tomato sauce profile.

Ideas for Serving Beefaroni with Style

• Family Comfort Plating: Serve this hearty beefaroni in deep ceramic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with crisp garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add some light crunch to the meal.
• Garnish Boost: Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped green onions to enhance the dish's visual appeal and add extra layers of flavor.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for a quick lunch or dinner the next day, as the flavors will continue to develop and become even more delicious when reheated.

Storing Beefaroni for Satisfying Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer beefaroni to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm the beefaroni in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated thoroughly and serve.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Beefaroni?

The key ingredients are ground beef, elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, Beefaroni is a classic comfort food that kids typically love. It’s cheesy, meaty, and has pasta, making it appealing to children.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like shells or rotini that hold sauce well.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, and choose whole wheat pasta to increase nutritional value.

What Makes Beefaroni Such a Comfort Classic

• Whip up a hearty, satisfying dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
• Packed with cheesy goodness and tender beef, this recipe transforms a classic childhood meal into a delicious dinner that gets smiles from both kids and adults.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this all-in-one recipe that combines protein, pasta, and cheese in a single pan, making cooking and washing up a breeze.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra veggies, swapping cheese types, or adjusting spices to suit your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Beefaroni Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade beefaroni delivers classic comfort with hearty ground beef and tender pasta in a rich tomato sauce. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this nostalgic dish perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground beef
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) elbow macaroni
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F, crumbling the meat into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sprinkle dried herbs and seasonings into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop rich flavors for 10-12 minutes.
4. Simultaneously prepare elbow macaroni in a separate pot, cooking until perfectly tender yet maintaining a slight firmness, then drain thoroughly.
5. Integrate cooked pasta into the robust meat sauce, ensuring complete and even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
6. Generously crown the dish with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the skillet to create a melting environment that allows cheese to transform into a smooth, creamy layer.
7. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling cheese to fully melt and flavors to harmonize before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Lean Protein Selection: Choose ground beef with 90% lean meat for a healthier version that reduces excess fat without compromising flavor.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Remove skillet from heat when adding cheese to prevent overcooking and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Slightly undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes during initial boiling since it will continue cooking when mixed with hot beef sauce.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free alternative that still delivers rich, satisfying taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg