This delicious homemade Beefaroni is a warm and hearty meal that combines tender beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce. It’s like a big hug in a bowl!
Making this dish is a breeze! I love tossing everything together and letting it simmer. Plus, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner and always gets big smiles at the table! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of your Beefaroni. If you want a lighter option, lean ground turkey or chicken works well too! For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add great flavor. If you don’t have fresh, using onion and garlic powder can work in a pinch. You might also try shallots for a slightly sweeter taste.
Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste: Canned tomatoes can be a good alternative if you’re short on sauce and paste; just blend them if you want a smoother texture. If fresh tomatoes are abundant, feel free to use those, but cook them down first.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni gives that classic Beefaroni feel. You can swap it for any small pasta shape like shells or rotini if you want a fun twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds creaminess. For a different flavor, try mozzarella or a blend of cheeses. If you want to skip cheese, nutritional yeast is a great cheesy-flavored substitute!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from Ground Beef?
To really enhance the flavor of your beef, don’t rush the browning process. Cook it on medium heat until it’s fully browned. Allowing it to sit and not stir too frequently helps develop a nice crust that adds to the flavor. Here’s how:
- Start with a hot skillet. Add the beef and let it sit briefly before breaking it apart.
- Once browned, drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Cooking the onions and garlic next in the same skillet picks up all the tasty bits left behind, which adds more depth to your dish.
How to Make The Best Homemade Beefaroni?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Beefaroni recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. So, you can enjoy this comforting meal in about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef into the skillet. Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat. This helps keep your dish from becoming greasy.
2. Sautéing Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté these together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The smell will be amazing!
3. Adding the Sauces and Seasoning:
Now it’s time to stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until combined. This will create a rich and flavorful base for your Beefaroni.
4. Cooking the Macaroni:
Pour in the elbow macaroni and beef broth (or water) to the skillet. Stir everything together, then bring it to a boil. It’s important that the mixture is boiling to properly cook the pasta.
5. Simmering:
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is tender and the sauce thickens. Your kitchen will smell like goodness!
6. Adding Cheese:
If you want a cheesy Beefaroni, now’s the time to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it until it’s melted and creamy. It adds a wonderful richness to the dish.
7. Serving:
Now it’s time to serve your homemade Beefaroni! Dish it out while it’s warm, and if you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey or Chicken for the Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as these meats may cook more quickly than beef. Ensure it’s browned thoroughly for the best flavor!
What Can I Use Instead of Elbow Macaroni?
If you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like shells, penne, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the instructions on the pasta package, as some shapes may require longer to cook.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Give it a good stir before serving!
Can I Make Beefaroni in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the Beefaroni up until the simmering stage, then let it cool completely before refrigerating. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed to loosen the sauce. For best results, consume within 3 days.
