Beefaroni Recipe

Jessica

Discover the ultimate Beefaroni Recipe that's easy, comforting, and perfect for family dinners. Try this irresistible dish today!

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

1 lb ground beef – This is the heart of the dish providing rich flavor and protein. For a lighter choice, you can also use ground turkey or chicken.
2 cups elbow macaroni – Classic pasta for this dish. If necessary you can replace it with any short pasta, such as penne or rotini.
2 cups tomato sauce – A key component for that savory tangy base. You can use homemade or store-bought, depending on your time.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – This cheese brings that creamy melty texture that makes beefaroni so irresistible.
½ cup grated parmesan cheese – For an extra layer of flavor and a bit of richness.
½ cup onion finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
2 cloves garlic minced – A must for that aromatic base that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – This blend of herbs basil, oregano, thyme will give the dish that signature flavor.
Salt and pepper – To taste for seasoning.

If you want a creamier beefaroni you can stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream after the sauce has simmered. This adds an indulgent richness that’s hard to resist.
Now that you have all your ingredients ready let’s move on to the next step and get cooking! The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, but with these ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it's tender but still firm to the bite (al dente).
Once cooked, drain the pasta, but be sure to save about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's fully cooked and no longer pink.
Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Combine the chopped onion and minced garlic with the beef in the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
If you’re using any additional veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, now is the time to toss them in. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they soften and absorb the flavors.

Add the tomato sauce and mix in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and develop.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir well, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy texture that’s absolutely irresistible.

Lower the heat and let everything simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy, your beefaroni is ready to serve!
Serve while hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

For an extra cheesy, golden crust, transfer the beefaroni to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden. It adds a delicious crispy texture that’s sure to impress!
This beefaroni recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can swap in different cheeses, add your favorite veggies, or even top it with extra seasoning to make it your own. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!