Beefaroni is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the robust flavors of ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: A favorite among children with its simple yet delicious flavors.
- Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or cheese to suit your preferences.
- Affordable: Uses pantry staples and economical ingredients.
- Comfort Food: A nostalgic, satisfying meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Elbow macaroni or other short pasta
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Optional Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
- Serve: Dish up hot and enjoy your delicious beefaroni.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Herbaceous Touch: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I make beefaroni ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it before serving. It tastes even better as the flavors meld.
2. What type of pasta works best for beefaroni?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
3. Can I freeze beefaroni?
Yes, beefaroni freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and add vegetables like spinach or carrots to boost nutrition.
5. Is it possible to make beefaroni vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
6. What cheese works best for beefaroni?
Cheddar cheese is classic, but mozzarella or a cheese blend works wonderfully too.
7. Can I add other seasonings to beefaroni?
Yes, feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika.
8. What sides go well with beefaroni?
Pair it with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
9. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente and avoid overcooking it during the reheating process.
10. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh diced tomatoes, though canned tomatoes are more convenient.
Conclusion
Beefaroni is a versatile and delightful dish that brings a sense of nostalgia with every bite. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and loved by all ages. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a quick dinner idea, beefaroni is the perfect solution. Try it out and customize it to make it your own!
PrintBeefaroni Recipe
This hearty and comforting one-pot meal combines ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot, Stove-Top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the elbow macaroni and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired. Cover for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.