Easy Homemade Beefaroni Recipe – Classic Comfort Food

Beefaroni is a simple, one-pot dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni (or similar pasta), and seasoned tomato sauce. Some versions include cheese, making it even more indulgent and flavorful. Thanks to its comforting flavor and straightforward preparation, beefaroni has earned a place in American cuisine.

Initially popularized by brands like Chef Boyardee, homemade beefaroni has evolved into a customizable, wholesome, and far tastier version of the canned classic.

Why You’ll Love This Beefaroni Recipe

• Quick & Easy: It comes together in about 30 minutes.
• One-Pot Friendly: Less mess and fewer dishes.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
• Customizable: You can tweak the spices, add cheese, or toss in veggies.

Meal-Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Ingredients for Homemade Beefaroni

Here’s everything you’ll need for a basic beefaroni recipe. These pantry staples make it easy to prepare even on short notice.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or small shells/penne)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

   Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks—season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Once browned, drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth

   Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. dd the Pasta

   Stir in the dry elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the pasta cook in the sauce for about 10–12 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

5. Add Cheese (Optional)

   Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese and mix until melted and creamy. This step adds a rich, indulgent touch.

6. Serve and Garnish

   Spoon into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy! For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread or a green salad.

Don’t overcook the pasta: It will absorb sauce as it sits.

• Use quality tomatoes: A good canned tomato brand can make a noticeable difference.
• Add veggies: Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added with the onion for extra nutrition.
• Make it cheesy: Mix mozzarella, cheddar, or cream cheese for a creamy beefaroni.
• Go spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a welcome kick.
• Try ground turkey or sausage: Easily swap the beef for other ground meats.

Beefaroni Variations

Beefaroni is endlessly customizable. Here are some fun twists to try:

1. Cheesy Baked Beefaroni

   Transfer the finished dish to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

2. Vegetarian Beefaroni

   Skip the meat and use plant-based crumbles or lentils. Add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant.

3. Tex-Mex Beefaroni

   Add chili powder, cumin, black beans, and corn. Top with cheddar and crushed tortilla chips for a southwestern spin.

4. Creamy Beefaroni

   Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer, creamier texture.

5. Gluten-Free Beefaroni

   Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your canned tomatoes and broth are gluten-free.

How to Store:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat:

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until heated through.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! Let the beefaroni cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve with Beefaroni

Beefaroni is filling on its own, but you can make it a complete meal with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy toast
• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed vegetables
• Roasted broccoli or carrots

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Estimate)

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: ~450–500
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbs: ~40g
• Fat: ~20g
• Fiber: ~4g
• (Values vary based on specific ingredients and portions.)

Why Homemade Is Better Than Canned

If you grew up eating beefaroni out of a can, you know how convenient it was—but also how salty, mushy, and overly processed it tasted. Homemade beefaroni gives you control over:

• Sodium and preservatives
• Pasta doneness
• Meat quality
• Custom flavors and add-ins
• Plus, it tastes fresher, heartier, and more satisfying.

Try This Recipe Tonight!

So next time you're craving something nostalgic, filling, and simple, try homemade beefaroni. Whether you stick with the classic or spice it up with your favorite variations, this dish is guaranteed to please.

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