Print

Homemade Beefaroni

Homemade Beefaroni

This easy Homemade Beefaroni is a warm, satisfying comfort food combining tender ground beef, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and tangy tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a hearty and budget-friendly dish loved by the whole family, versatile to customize and perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, usually around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Mix in Pasta: Fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated with the beef and tomato mixture. If desired, sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let it melt before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and onions for noticeable flavor improvement.
  • Aim to cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness in the final dish.
  • Drain excess fat well for a cleaner, less oily taste.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly to enhance depth and richness.
  • Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, herbs) to your taste as you cook.

Nutrition

Keywords: beefaroni, comfort food, ground beef, elbow macaroni, quick dinner, family meal, easy recipe