My mother’s homemade beefaroni was the ultimate comfort food when I was growing up. The smell of ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs would fill our house. It rekindled the warmth of those cherished family dinners.
Now, as a busy parent, I’m excited to share this easy beefaroni recipe with you. It’s a classic American dish that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce. This homemade version is simple to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
A bowl of homemade beefaroni, featuring macaroni pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce with ground beef, topped with melted cheese, garnished with fresh basil, served on a rustic wooden table, warm and inviting atmosphere, soft natural lighting.
Key Takeaways
- Flavorful ground beef and pasta dish perfect for comfort food cravings
- Easy to make in just 45 minutes, serving 8 people
- Budget-friendly and kid-friendly recipe with simple ingredients
- Versatile dish that can be enjoyed on busy weeknights or as a family meal
- Delicious tomato-based sauce with melty cheddar cheese
What Makes This Homemade Beefaroni Special
Beefaroni is a classic comfort food, loved for its creamy taste. This homemade version is even better, with a richer flavor. It’s a ground beef casserole that everyone will enjoy.
History of Beefaroni
The story of beefaroni starts in the 1920s with Chef Hector Boiardi, also known as “Chef Boyardee.” It quickly became a favorite in American homes. This recipe brings back that classic taste but with a twist.
Why This Recipe Works
This homemade beefaroni is easy and quick to make. All you need are a handful of ingredients and a single pan. It’s ready in under 30 minutes. Additionally, you can adjust it to suit your preferences.
Key Benefits
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Quick and easy to prepare, done in less than 30 minutes.
- Minimal cleanup with just one pan
- Versatile dish that can be easily customized
A warm, inviting ground beef casserole, bubbling with melted cheese on top, layered with macaroni, vibrant tomato sauce, and fresh herbs, set in a rustic kitchen environment with wooden utensils and a cozy feel.
If you’re after a comforting ground beef casserole, a tasty cheesy pasta bake, or a simple easy one-pot meal, this recipe is perfect. It’s a hit with its creamy texture and rich flavors. It’s set to become a family favorite.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Beefaroni Recipe
To make a delicious beefaroni dish, you need the right ingredients. At the core is lean ground beef, which gives the dish its savory taste. Chopped onions, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder add a rich aroma and warmth.
The sauce is a mix of tomato sauce and paste, with milk and beef broth for creaminess. This blend makes the dish both creamy and rich.
For that classic tomato-based pasta dish taste, elbow macaroni noodles and shredded cheddar cheese are key. To get a taste closer to Chef Boyardee, use more tomato sauce and double the tomato paste. You can also swap ground turkey or use dairy-free options to suit your taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean Ground Beef | 1 pound |
| Chopped Onion | 1/2 cup |
| Paprika | 2 teaspoons |
| Onion Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Tomato Sauce | 8-ounce can |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Beef Broth | 1 cup |
| Dry Macaroni Noodles | 2 cups |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty beef macaroni recipe. It’s sure to hit the spot for comfort food lovers.
A vibrant, colorful arrangement of essential Beefaroni ingredients on a rustic wooden countertop: ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and garlic cloves; surrounded by fresh basil leaves and grated cheese, with a cozy kitchen background.
Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips
To make this tasty and budget-friendly dinner, you’ll need a few basic tools. Grab a large skillet with a lid that fits snugly. This helps you brown the ground beef and simmer the sauce perfectly.
Required Cookware
- Large skillet with tight-fitting lid (12-inch diameter or larger)
- Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
- A cutting board and a sharp knife for dicing the onions.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate portioning of ingredients.
Prep Work Guidelines
The prep work for this kid-friendly recipe is simple. The main task is chopping a small yellow onion. You can do this up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when it’s time to cook.
Time-Saving Tips
For quicker prep, use pre-chopped onions or pre-shredded cheese. These ingredients can speed up making this hearty beefaroni. It’s great for busy weeknights or when you want to do less dish washing.
| Meal Component | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Meat/Meat Alternate | 2¼ oz. eq. |
| Enriched Grain | 1 oz. eq. |
| Red/Orange Vegetable | 3/8 cup |
A bright and organized kitchen countertop filled with essential cooking equipment for making beefaroni, including a large pot for boiling pasta, a wooden stirring spoon, measuring cups and spoons, a can opener, a cutting board with diced tomatoes, an assortment of colorful spices in jars, and a spatula resting on the edge of the pot. The background features a well-lit kitchen with clean surfaces and a hint of fresh ingredients like garlic and herbs.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this easy one-pot beef and pasta dish is simple. Begin by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned. Once it’s cooked, drain any extra fat. Then, add diced onions and sauté until they’re translucent, about 5 minutes.
Next, add the tomato sauce, beef broth, and your favorite seasonings like garlic, oregano, and basil. Stir well. Bring the mix to a simmer and add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring now and then, until the pasta is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until they turn translucent.
- Pour in 1 (28-ounce) can of tomato sauce, 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and your favorite dried herbs.
- Mix everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet.
- Cover and let it cook, stirring now and then, until the pasta is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the lid, sprinkle 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, and let it melt.
Once the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted, your easy one-pot beef and pasta dish is ready. This homemade beefaroni recipe is a classic comfort food that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound (80-85% lean) |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 (28-ounce) can |
| Beef Broth | 2 cups, low-sodium |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Elbow Macaroni | 1 cup, dry |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1/2 – 1 cup, shredded |
Creating the Perfect Tomato-Based Sauce
The heart of the tomato-based pasta dish is the homemade sauce. This sauce brings out the rich, comforting flavors of the cheesy pasta bake. We’ll focus on seasoning, getting the sauce just right, and blending it with cheese.
Seasoning Balance
Getting the seasoning right is key to a great tomato sauce. We’ll mix paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder for depth and complexity. These seasonings enhance the tomatoes’ sweetness and add a warm kick.
Sauce Consistency Tips
To get the tomato-based pasta dish just right, we’ll simmer the sauce until it’s thick enough. For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add more tomato paste. For a thinner sauce, add beef broth or milk.
Cheese Integration Methods
Adding cheese to the cheesy pasta bake is the final touch. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top and cover to melt. For creaminess, stir some cheese into the hot pasta and sauce.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
A big serving of homemade beefaroni, about 1 1/4 cups, is very nutritious. It has about 429 calories, 39.4g carbs, 30.4g protein, and 16.4g fat. It also has 2.8g of fiber and many vitamins and minerals.
This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings, perfect for family meals or meal prep. Each serving has around 453 calories, 43g carbs, 30g protein, and 18g fat, with 7g of fiber. This makes it a satisfying and healthy dish.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 453 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 7g |
Looking for a hearty dinner or meal prep? This homemade beefaroni recipe is both tasty and nutritious. It’s a hit with the whole family.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying homemade beefaroni doesn’t have to stop after one meal. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy it for days. Here’s how to keep your leftover beefaroni fresh and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
Beefaroni can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool it down first. Next, transfer it into airtight containers or resealable bags. This keeps the easy one-pot meal delicious.
Best Reheating Methods
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions at 50% power, stirring every 1 minute until heated through.
- Stovetop: In a medium saucepan, add a couple of tablespoons of water and heat the beefaroni over medium-low, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes.
Follow these tips to enjoy your homemade beefaroni all week. It’s a tasty and budget-friendly dinner option.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The classic beef macaroni recipe can be adapted to fit your taste and diet. You can change the pasta, add more veggies, or make it dairy-free. These changes let you make the ground beef casserole your own.
Try using different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni instead of elbow macaroni. This adds a fun texture to the dish.
Want less meat? Use ground turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef. This makes the beef macaroni recipe healthier.
Add mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies to the ground beef casserole. They enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and dairy-free cheese. This way, people with lactose intolerance or vegans can enjoy it too.
Make the beef macaroni recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. This lets everyone enjoy this classic comfort food.
| Variation | Suggested Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Pasta Shape | Penne, rigatoni, spiral |
| Protein | Ground turkey, plant-based meat |
| Vegetables | Mushrooms, spinach |
| Dairy | Unsweetened almond milk, dairy-free cheese |
| Gluten | Gluten-free pasta |
The beef macaroni recipe is very flexible. You can make it fit your diet and taste. This way, everyone can enjoy this classic comfort food.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Making the perfect cheesy pasta bake with a kid-friendly recipe like homemade beefaroni is easier with some expert tips. Start by using lean ground beef to avoid too much grease. This brings harmony to the dish, enhancing its depth of flavor.
To boost the tomato taste, you can add more tomato sauce and paste. This allows you to tailor the flavor to suit your taste. For an even cheesier dish, add grated Parmesan or fresh mozzarella. This makes the dish creamier and more indulgent.
Another trick is to deglaze the pan after browning the beef. This step helps mix in all the tasty bits into the sauce. This makes the dish even more flavorful. Just remember, don’t overcook the pasta. It should be tender but still have a nice bite.
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Adjust tomato flavor by increasing sauce and paste
- Add grated Parmesan or fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess
- Deglaze the pan after browning the beef to incorporate all the flavors
- Don’t overcook the pasta to maintain a good texture
By following these expert tips, you’ll make a cheesy pasta bake that everyone will love. The key is in balancing the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Enjoy making your homemade beefaroni!
Conclusion
This homemade beefaroni recipe is a tasty and flexible option compared to store-bought ones. It’s a meal that’s easy to make and loved by families. Its comforting taste and simple ingredients make it a favorite for both kids and adults.
The secret to this recipe’s success is the right mix of seasonings, the rich tomato sauce, and the gooey cheese. You can stick to the classic version or try new twists. Either way, it brings comfort and a sense of nostalgia to your meals.
Homemade beefaroni is easy and rewarding to make. It lets you create a dish that’s uniquely yours. With just a few steps, you can make your family feel like they’re enjoying a classic comfort food, with your special touch.
FAQ
What makes this homemade beefaroni recipe special?
This homemade beefaroni recipe is special because it combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a comforting meal inspired by Chef Boyardee but creamier and less acidic. The addition of milk makes it stand out.
What are the key benefits of this beefaroni recipe?
This beefaroni recipe is kid-friendly and quick to make (under 30 minutes). It’s easy to clean up with just one pan. Plus, it’s versatile and can be modified for different diets.
What are the essential ingredients for the perfect beefaroni?
The key ingredients are lean ground beef, chopped onion, paprika, and spices. You’ll also need tomato sauce, tomato paste, milk, beef broth, elbow macaroni, and shredded cheddar cheese.
What kitchen equipment is needed, and what are some prep work guidelines?
Grab a large skillet with a lid that fits snugly. Chop onions up to a week in advance for prep work. Use pre-chopped onions and pre-shredded cheese to save time.
How do you create the perfect tomato-based sauce for the beefaroni?
Mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, milk, and beef broth for a rich flavor. Add paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder for taste. For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add more tomato paste. Sprinkle cheese on top to melt, or stir it into the pasta for creaminess.
What is the nutritional information and serving size for this beefaroni recipe?
A serving of beefaroni (about 1 1/4 cups) has 429 calories. It includes 39.4g carbohydrates, 30.4g protein, and 16.4g fat. It also has 2.8g of fiber and various vitamins and minerals. The recipe makes 6-8 servings.
How can you store and reheat leftover beefaroni?
Keep any leftover beefaroni in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For freezing, cool completely and store in freezer-friendly containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
What are some variations and substitutions for this beefaroni recipe?
Try different pasta shapes or use ground turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef. Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Use different cheeses or unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version. Gluten-free pasta can also be used.
What are some expert tips for the best results when making homemade beefaroni?
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. Adjust the tomato flavor by adding more sauce and paste. Add grated Parmesan or fresh mozzarella for extra cheese. Deglaze the pan after browning the beef. Don’t overcook the pasta to keep it tender.