Description
This homemade beefaroni recipe is a comforting classic that combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights and sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
Pasta & Meat
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Soy sauce
Cheese & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
-
Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and break it apart with a spoon.
- Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
-
Sauté the Aromatics
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet with the beef.
- Sauté until onions become soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
-
Prepare the Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Soy sauce.
- Let simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
-
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce mixture.
- Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
-
Melt the Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
-
Serve and Garnish
- Divide into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a baked version: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Make it spicy: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes.
- Healthier alternative: Use whole wheat pasta and ground turkey instead of beef.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: beefaroni recipe, homemade beefaroni, cheesy pasta, comfort food, pasta recipe, ground beef recipes, quick dinner, easy pasta dinner