If you’re in the mood for something hearty, comforting, and family-friendly, Beefaroni is the way to go. This classic dish brings together tender ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s simple yet so satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, Beefaroni is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Beefaroni is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will love. The ground beef adds richness, the pasta gives it a hearty texture, and the tomato sauce ties everything together in a savory, tangy way. It’s a nostalgic dish that brings back memories of childhood, and it’s perfect for any occasion when you want something warm and filling.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need (the full list is below):
- Ground beef
- Elbow macaroni
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Read on for the full ingredient list and measurements!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water for extra flavor. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan with the beef, cooking for about 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you want a little more richness, you can add a splash of olive oil or a spoonful of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 5: Combine with the Pasta
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir to combine. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes so the flavors can mingle.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Beefaroni hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra vegetables, finely chop some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms and sauté them with the onion and garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Cheese: If you love cheesy dishes, feel free to stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a cheesy, gooey version of Beefaroni.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The dish will still be delicious and a bit lighter.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta.
- Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, swap the ground beef for plant-based meat and use a vegan tomato sauce. You can also top it with dairy-free cheese for a cheesy, vegan version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Beefaroni is filling enough on its own, but you can always serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple Caesar salad or a fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this rich, savory dish. For drinks, a nice glass of red wine or a sparkling water would be perfect.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat it in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to loosen it up.
4 FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, Beefaroni can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I add cheese to Beefaroni? Definitely! For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top when serving, or stir it into the dish while it’s still hot.
What other pasta can I use besides elbow macaroni? Feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. They all work well in this dish!
Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker? Yes, you can make Beefaroni in the slow cooker! Brown the beef and sauté the onion and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cooked pasta at the end.
Conclusion
Beefaroni is a timeless, comforting dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a family-friendly meal that everyone will love, this recipe has you covered. With its rich tomato sauce, tender beef, and hearty pasta, Beefaroni is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Beefaroni: A Classic Comfort Food Everyone Will Love
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
Beefaroni is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. This easy-to-make family favorite is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the Elbow Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, salting the water for extra flavor. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, for 5-7 minutes, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking for 3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Serve Beefaroni hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Pair with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Vegetable Add-ins: You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Lover’s Option: Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a cheesier version.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg