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There is something truly comforting and nostalgic about a well-made Homemade Beefaroni Recipe—a hearty, cheesy, and savory pasta dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. This recipe combines tender ground beef, rich tomato flavors, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a luscious blend of cheeses to create a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a crowd-pleaser to impress, this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe is your new go-to comfort food that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and key to making this dish irresistible. Each ingredient plays an important role—from juicy ground beef that adds hearty richness, to the trio of cheeses that melt into creamy perfection, and fresh herbs that give every bite a burst of flavor and color.
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15): The perfect balance of lean meat and fat for juicy, flavorful beef without excess grease.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the sauce when sautéed with the beef.
- 15 oz tomato sauce: The smooth base that envelops the pasta and beef with a rich tomato taste.
- 6 oz tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce for a luscious texture.
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes: Introduces fresh, chunky tomato bits to add texture and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Brings a savory garlic punch balanced with saltiness to season the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Offers a subtle warmth and depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, floral undertone to brighten the sauce.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that traps the sauce, ensuring every bite is deliciously coated.
- 1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Offers bold, tangy flavor and creamy meltiness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey stretchiness and mild creaminess to the dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances the cheese blend beautifully.
How to Make Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onions, cooking them together until the beef loses its pink color and the onions become soft and fragrant. This foundational step builds the rich, meaty flavor that’s essential to the dish.
Step 2: Combine Tomatoes and Sauces
Next, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. These ingredients merge to create a thick, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta and beef, giving every bite a vibrant tomato punch.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Add garlic salt, dried oregano, dried basil, and chili powder to the skillet, then stir everything well. Let this savory mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the herbs and spices to infuse deeply into the sauce and meld into a harmonious flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm yet tender. Drain the pasta well to ensure it doesn’t get soggy when mixed with the sauce in the next step.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni into the simmering sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly so every piece of pasta is coated with that rich, tomatoey goodness. This mix promises a perfect balance of pasta and sauce in every portion.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Blend
Turn the heat down to low and sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir consistently until the cheeses melt completely and blend smoothly with the sauce. This luxurious cheese coating elevates the dish from simple pasta to a creamy, dreamy comfort meal.
How to Serve Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Homemade Beefaroni Recipe even more inviting, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top. A few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese can add a beautiful finishing touch, making the presentation pop while enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads drizzled with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that add freshness and texture contrast. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are also fantastic companions, perfect for mopping up any leftover cheesy sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or simply want to switch things up, try layering the beefaroni in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil until golden for a bubbly, gratin-like finish. Alternatively, serve it in a big colorful casserole dish straight from the oven to create a cozy family-style meal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Beefaroni Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze Beefaroni for longer storage. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Beefaroni gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and to keep that silky cheese sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help restore creaminess if it thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta in the Homemade Beefaroni Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use other pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or small penne, just keep cooking times in mind to ensure they reach al dente perfection.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils to maintain the rich texture and flavor.
How spicy is this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe?
The recipe has a mild kick from chili powder but isn’t overly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder for a bolder flavor or omitting it for a gentler taste that everyone can enjoy.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then combine and add cheeses just before serving for a quick, fresh meal.
What cheeses work best if I can’t find all the types listed?
If you don’t have all three kinds of cheese, sharp cheddar and mozzarella alone will still make a fantastic cheesy sauce. Parmesan adds a nutty note but can be skipped if needed.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe because it truly is a delicious classic everyone will adore. It’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Once you taste that perfect blend of beef, tomato, pasta, and cheese, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite in the recipe rotation. So grab your skillet and pasta pot, and dive into this cozy, comforting dish tonight!
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Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Beefaroni recipe is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish made with ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and a blend of three cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines savory flavors with tender elbow macaroni for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Tomato Sauce Base
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onions until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add tomato base: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes into the skillet with the beef and onions, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season and simmer: Add garlic salt, chili powder, dried oregano, and dried basil to the mixture. Stir well and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook elbow macaroni: While the sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the simmering sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Add cheeses: Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet.
- Melt the cheese: Stir continuously until all the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the pasta and sauce, creating a creamy and cheesy texture. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or beef alternatives for a leaner dish.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente helps maintain texture after mixing with sauce and cheese.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more chili powder for extra heat or more cheese for richness.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
