Beefaroni

The clatter of pots and pans, the low hum of after-school chatter, and the rich aroma of simmering tomatoes and beef – that’s the soundtrack to Beefaroni night in my house. This isn’t just any quick meal; it’s a bowl full of comforting nostalgia, a dish that instantly transports me back to simpler times, but with a homemade touch that elevates it far beyond the canned versions of childhood.

This homemade Beefaroni is a hearty, savory, and incredibly satisfying one-pot wonder. It combines tender elbow macaroni, flavorful ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all melded together with gooey, melted cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something wholesome and quick, yet special enough for a cozy Sunday supper with the family. It’s a taste of home, pure and simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beefaroni isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a standout for several reasons:

• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, making this a true weeknight champion. Everything comes together in a single pot, saving you time and effort.
• Incredibly Flavorful: We’re building layers of flavor with savory ground beef, aromatic garlic and onion, rich tomato paste and sauce, and perfectly balanced Italian seasoning. The freshly grated cheddar cheese takes it over the top!
• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have this delicious Beefaroni on the table in under 45 minutes. It’s a lifesaver on those hectic evenings.
• Kid-Approved & Adult-Friendly: This dish has universal appeal. Kids love the cheesy, beefy goodness, while adults appreciate the homemade quality and robust flavors.
• Customizable: It’s easy to tweak to your liking! Add more veggies, spice it up, or swap out the cheese – this Beefaroni recipe is very forgiving.

This recipe is perfect for busy parents looking for a meal the whole family will devour, anyone craving classic comfort food with a homemade twist, or even meal preppers seeking a delicious dish that reheats beautifully.

Ingredients for Beefaroni

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Beefaroni:

Core Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for Beefaroni, perfect for holding onto that luscious sauce.
• 1 pound lean ground beef: Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 for great flavor without excessive grease.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced: Adds a foundational sweetness and aroma.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: For that essential savory kick. Fresh is best!
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: This deepens the tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
• 28 ounces tomato sauce: The heart of our Beefaroni sauce. Choose a quality brand for the best taste.
• 1 cup beef broth: Adds depth and helps cook the macaroni right in the sauce.
• ⅔ cup whole milk: Contributes to a creamier, richer sauce.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Or to taste.
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that complements the beef and tomato.
• 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated: Freshly grated cheese is a game-changer! It melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded.
• Fresh minced parsley (for garnish): Adds a touch of freshness and color at the end.

Substitutions and Tips

• Ground Meat: Don’t have ground beef? Ground turkey or even ground Italian sausage (casings removed) work wonderfully in this Beefaroni.
• Pasta: No elbow macaroni? Small shells, rotini, or penne are great alternatives.
• Cheese: While mild cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment! Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor would be delicious. For an extra creamy Beefaroni, try adding a touch of Velveeta or American cheese along with the cheddar.
• Milk: You can use 2% milk, but whole milk provides the richest result. For a dairy-free version, an unsweetened plain plant-based milk could work, though the creaminess might be slightly different.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a little heat in your Beefaroni.
• Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some finely diced carrots or bell peppers along with the onion for added nutrition.

Best Type of Ground Beef to Use

For the most flavorful Beefaroni, the choice of ground beef matters. I recommend using lean ground beef, specifically an 85/15 or 90/10 blend.

• 85/15 Ground Beef: This means it’s 85% lean meat and 15% fat. The slightly higher fat content provides excellent flavor and moisture to the Beefaroni. You’ll simply drain off any excess grease after browning.
• 90/10 Ground Beef: A leaner option, this blend still offers good flavor with less fat to drain. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter version of Beefaroni, this is a great choice.

Avoid super lean ground beef (like 93/7 or leaner) as it can sometimes result in a drier, less flavorful Beefaroni. The little bit of fat renders down and contributes significantly to the overall taste and texture of the dish. If you only have leaner ground beef on hand, you might consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil when browning it to help with moisture and flavor.

Ultimately, a good quality ground chuck will generally fall into the 85/15 range and is an excellent choice for this homemade Beefaroni.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make fantastic Beefaroni. Here are the essentials and some nice-to-haves:

Must-Have Tools

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This is key for a one-pot Beefaroni. A Dutch oven retains heat beautifully and cooks evenly. Ensure it’s at least 5-6 quarts.
• Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring the Beefaroni.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cheese Grater: If you’re taking my advice and grating your own cheese (you should!).

Nice-to-Have Extras

• Garlic Press: For easily mincing fresh garlic.
• Fine Mesh Sieve: If you want to rinse your pasta (though not strictly necessary for this one-pot recipe).
• Meat Chopper: A specialized tool for breaking up ground meat quickly and evenly.

How to Make Beefaroni

Get ready to create the most delicious homemade Beefaroni! Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Heat your Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. You should hear a satisfying sizzle! Drain off any excess grease from the pot. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has deepened in color – this really blooms the flavor.

Step 2: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (that’s where the flavor is!). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The aroma filling your kitchen right now is the promise of a fantastic Beefaroni!

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, whole milk, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir everything together until the macaroni is fully submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture back to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir your Beefaroni occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

Step 5: Get Cheesy!
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the freshly grated cheddar cheese until it’s melted and gooey, transforming your dish into a truly cheesy Beefaroni. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot Beefaroni into bowls. Garnish with the remaining ½ cup of grated cheddar cheese and fresh minced parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and watch everyone enjoy this comforting meal!

Tips for Success

To make the absolute best Beefaroni every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Start checking the macaroni for doneness around the 15-minute mark. You want it tender but not mushy. Remember, it will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: I can’t stress this enough! Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese makes a huge difference in the creaminess of your Beefaroni.
• Season Liberally: Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning) before serving. A well-seasoned Beefaroni is a happy Beefaroni.
• Don’t Skip Browning the Tomato Paste: Cooking the tomato paste for a minute or two before adding liquids really deepens its flavor and adds an incredible richness to the sauce.
• Let it Rest (Briefly): After stirring in the cheese, let the Beefaroni sit for 5 minutes off the heat, covered. This allows the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld.

How to Store Beefaroni

Leftover Beefaroni is fantastic the next day! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Room Temperature: Beefaroni should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the meat and dairy content.
• In the Refrigerator: Allow the Beefaroni to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth if it seems too thick, or reheat it in the microwave.
• Freezing Tips: Yes, you can freeze Beefaroni! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat as above, noting that the texture of the pasta might be slightly softer after freezing and reheating. Adding a little extra cheese when reheating can help!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Beefaroni gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand, so just cook until tender.

How can I make my Beefaroni creamier?

For an even creamier Beefaroni, you can stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or a slice or two of American cheese along with the cheddar. Whole milk, as listed in the recipe, also contributes significantly to the creaminess.

What vegetables can I add to this Beefaroni?

This dish is quite versatile! Finely diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers (any color) can be sautéed with the onions. Some people also like to stir in peas or corn towards the end of the cooking time for a pop of sweetness and color in their Beefaroni.

Is this Beefaroni recipe spicy?

As written, this Beefaroni is mild and savory, perfect for all palates. If you’d like to add some heat, include ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the Italian seasoning, or serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side.

Can I prepare any parts of this Beefaroni ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop the onion and garlic a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also pre-grate the cheese. This makes assembly even quicker when you’re ready to cook your Beefaroni.

Conclusion

This homemade Beefaroni truly is a go-to dish for so many reasons. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, comforting enough for a chilly evening, and delicious enough to have everyone asking for seconds. With its rich, meaty sauce, tender pasta, and glorious cheesy topping, this Beefaroni recipe captures the essence of heartwarming home cooking. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a beloved favorite in your meal rotation too!