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
Scale
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.
