This homemade beefaroni is a cozy and comforting dish that combines tender pasta with ground beef in a rich tomato sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this dinner! I often make a big batch to enjoy leftovers for lunch, because who doesn’t love a tasty meal waiting in the fridge?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, ground turkey or chicken does the trick! Plant-based options like lentils or chickpeas also work well for a vegetarian version.
Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice! If you’re out of elbow macaroni, any small pasta like shells or fusilli can be used. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option if you need it.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are super convenient! If you’re short on these, you can blend fresh tomatoes, or use tomato puree. For a twist, try adding a splash of ketchup or V8 juice.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh is always best, but if you’re in a bind, onion powder and garlic powder can substitute in a pinch. I personally love adding a bit of shallot for extra flavor!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds creaminess! You can substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack for a little kick. If you want to skip cheese altogether, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Cook Perfectly Tender Pasta?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but achieving that perfect al dente texture is key! It should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Here are some steps to follow:
- Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt—it enhances flavor.
- Once boiling, add the pasta and stir for the first minute to prevent sticking.
- Check the package directions for cooking time but test the pasta 2 minutes before it’s supposed to be done. It should be slightly firm and not soft.
- Drain pasta and rinse briefly with cold water if you’re not adding it directly to the sauce, as this stops the cooking process.
The Best Homemade Beefaroni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beefaroni:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Beefaroni recipe will take about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Remember to drain any excess grease once it’s done, so your Beefaroni doesn’t end up too oily!
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté everything for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step brings wonderful flavors to your dish.
3. Adding the Sauces and Seasoning:
Now, it’s time to bring in the sauce! Stir in the diced tomatoes (with all that juicy goodness), the canned tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this yummy mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. It’s going to smell amazing!
4. Cooking the Macaroni:
While your sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside for later.
5. Mixing Everything Together:
After the sauce has simmered for about 10 minutes, add your cooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir everything together until the macaroni is well coated with the sauce. It’s coming together beautifully!
6. Melting the Cheese (Optional):
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt. This just takes the Beefaroni to the next level!
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Now, it’s time to serve! Dish up the Beefaroni hot on plates, garnishing with some fresh basil or parsley on top. Enjoy a warm, hearty serving of this comfort food!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for beef in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and be sure to season well to enhance the flavor since these meats can be milder than beef.
What Can I Use Instead of Elbow Macaroni?
If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use any small pasta like shells, penne, or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente before adding it to the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
How to Store Leftover Beefaroni?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
