Beefaroni is the ultimate winter comfort food—a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish perfect for cold nights. This homemade Ultimate Beefaroni Recipe is better than canned versions, packed with flavorful ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or meal prepping for the week, this dish is easy to make, family-friendly, and utterly delicious!
Love this Ultimate Beefaroni Recipe? Try our Classic Homemade Lasagna for another rich, cheesy, and meaty dish.
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Beefaroni Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔️ Perfect for Winter: A hearty dish to warm you up on cold days.
✔️ Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
✔️ Kid-Approved: A fun twist on mac and cheese with a meaty, savory touch.
✔️ Customizable: Can be made with different cheeses, meats, or spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make the best homemade beefaroni:
Main Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 lb) – Adds rich, meaty flavor.
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups) – The classic pasta choice for beefaroni.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz) – Creates a rich, tangy base.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz) – Adds texture and extra tomato goodness.
Aromatics & Seasoning
- Onion, chopped (1 medium) – Gives the dish a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – A blend of herbs for an extra kick.
- Salt & pepper (to taste) – Balances flavors and enhances taste.
Cheesy Goodness
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups) – Melts beautifully for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Craving a creamy pasta dish? Our Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a must-try for a smooth and flavorful experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Ultimate Beefaroni
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef & Aromatics
- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
- Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until flavors blend.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked macaroni to the beef and tomato mixture.
- Stir well, making sure the pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
- Pair with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
✅ Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
✅ Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
✅ Meat Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
✅ Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella, Parmesan, or a mix of cheeses.
✅ Creamy Beefaroni: Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
🥄 Calories: ~450
🥩 Protein: ~25g
🍝 Carbs: ~50g
🧀 Fat: ~20g
(Values are approximate and vary based on portion sizes.)
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
🚫 Overcooking the pasta – Cook until just al dente to avoid mushy beefaroni.
🚫 Skipping seasoning – Salt and spices enhance the overall taste!
🚫 Not draining the beef properly – Too much grease can make the dish oily.
🚫 Using the wrong cheese – Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
FAQs About Beefaroni
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
2. What’s the difference between beefaroni and goulash?
3. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Final Thoughts: The Best Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
This Ultimate Beefaroni Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves quick, easy, and hearty comfort food. With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect winter meal to warm you up. Try it today and enjoy the rich, cheesy, and meaty goodness!
Ultimate Beefaroni Recipe: A Hearty & Classic Comfort Food
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- Aromatics & Seasoning
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Cheesy Goodness
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a pot.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (8-10 min).
- Drain and set aside.
- 2️⃣ Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned (5 min).
- Add chopped onions & garlic and sauté until fragrant (2-3 min).
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- 3️⃣ Make the Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
- Let simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.
- 4️⃣ Combine & Add Cheese
- Mix in cooked pasta with the beef sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- 5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with extra cheese or fresh herbs.
Notes
✅ Creamy Version – Stir in heavy cream or cream cheese.
✅ Meat Variations – Try turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
✅ Storage – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
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