If you grew up loving classic comfort food, you’re about to fall head over heels for Homemade Beefaroni! This dish is all about nostalgia—think tender macaroni cozying up in a rich, tomatoey beef sauce, finished off with gooey melted cheddar. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together in just one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little edible hug. The flavors are kid-approved (and adult-adored), and every bite is an invitation to take it easy and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Homemade Beefaroni only requires a short list of humble ingredients, but each one brings something important to the table! The beef brings heartiness, tomatoes offer vibrant color and tang, and just the right spices turn it into a soul-warming classic.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a light, savory base to the sauce.
- Ground beef: The star of the show; gives this dish its tender, meaty heart.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion melts into the sauce, adding mild sweetness and extra depth.
- Garlic cloves: Just a couple cloves bring a wonderful aroma and punchy flavor.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory notes in the sauce and beef.
- Black pepper: Just a hint of spice for warmth and balance.
- Italian seasoning: Dried herbs bring classic, cozy undertones that really round out the flavors.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and a concentrated tomato kick right at the base.
- Beef broth: This intensifies the meaty goodness and makes the sauce extra savory.
- Tomato sauce: Gives the sauce its velvety texture and familiar tang.
- Diced tomatoes: Provides little pops of juicy tomato and keeps everything vibrant.
- Elbow macaroni: The iconic pasta shape—perfectly tender and great for soaking up the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts right in for a creamy finish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Make Homemade Beefaroni
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up as you go with a wooden spoon. If you see any excess fat, go ahead and drain it—this keeps your Homemade Beefaroni rich but never greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once your beef is browned, toss in the diced onion and let it soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll see the onion become a little translucent and smell the sweetness building. After that, stir in your minced garlic, followed by salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and give it a quick minute to bloom. The kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 3: Build the Tomato Base
Now, add your tomato paste and cook for just a minute to give it a chance to caramelize and deepen the flavor. Then pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and those juicy diced tomatoes. Stir everything well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. At this stage, the sauce starts to come together, marrying all the savory and herby flavors.
Step 4: Add the Macaroni
Stir in your uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is nestled into the saucy mixture. Cover the pot and let everything cook on medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes—give it a stir here and there so nothing sticks to the bottom. The macaroni will soak up all that gorgeous sauce, becoming perfectly tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Once the pasta is just right and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove your pot from the heat. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir it through until it melts into creamy, golden goodness. That final swirl of cheese ties the whole Homemade Beefaroni together—now it’s time to serve up warm bowls of happiness!
How to Serve Homemade Beefaroni
Garnishes
A little extra love goes a long way! Sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for color and freshness, or try a dusting of grated Parmesan if you’re a serious cheese fan. If you like a hint of heat, red pepper flakes are a tasty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Homemade Beefaroni is filling enough to stand alone, but a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make perfect partners. A slice of crusty bread or warm garlic toast is ideal for soaking up every last drop of the savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform a casual family dinner into something special by serving your Homemade Beefaroni in individual mini baking dishes and broiling a little extra cheese on top. Or, scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for a fun twist. For potlucks, keep it warm in a slow cooker so everyone can help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any extra Homemade Beefaroni to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to four days, making lunch or a quick dinner totally effortless.
Freezing
This dish freezes like a champ! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Homemade Beefaroni will be good for up to three months, so you can enjoy a comforting meal any time the craving strikes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems thick. Microwaving is just fine too—cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Try ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version, or use ground pork for a different flavor spin. Just be sure to adjust seasonings as needed.
What’s the best way to prevent the macaroni from overcooking?
Keep an eye on the pasta during simmering, and taste a piece a few minutes before the suggested time is up. Stir occasionally and remove from heat as soon as it’s just tender.
Can I make Homemade Beefaroni gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni. Cook times may vary a little, so check for doneness a little earlier.
How can I add more veggies?
Feel free to stir in frozen peas, corn, or even chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add color, nutrients, and a sweet burst of flavor that’s fantastic.
Is Homemade Beefaroni spicy?
By default, it’s mild and kid-friendly, but you can kick up the heat easily with a shake of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce at the table!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s as comforting as it is effortless, you can’t go wrong with Homemade Beefaroni. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to every table—so grab your pot, give it a whirl, and get ready for the cheesiest, coziest pasta night around!
Print
Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of childhood with this easy and satisfying Homemade Beefaroni recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder combines ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce for a hearty meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Beefaroni:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Cook beef: Brown ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion: Cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Season: Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant.
- Tomato paste: Stir in and cook for 1 minute.
- Add liquids: Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add macaroni: Stir in uncooked macaroni, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Melt cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, or stir in frozen peas or corn for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
