If you have a craving for comfort food that hits all the right nostalgic notes, this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of hearty, cheesy, and tomato-rich pasta dish that instantly brings a smile to your face and warmth to your soul. Ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan come together in a luscious sauce loaded with Italian-inspired herbs. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that pleases everyone at the table or craving a classic, stick-to-your-ribs meal, this homemade favorite has got you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Beefaroni Recipe relies on simple ingredients that combine beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role, from the rich tomato base to the melty cheese topping that takes the dish over the top.
- 1 pound ground beef: Opt for 85/15 for the perfect balance of flavor and a bit of juiciness without being too greasy.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 15 oz tomato sauce: Provides a smooth, rich tomato foundation for the sauce.
- 6 oz tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a robust, savory punch.
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of fresh tomato to balance the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Brings a savory, aromatic element that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: A gentle warmth that enhances the savory aspect without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that adds earthiness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brightens the sauce with just a hint of sweetness and herbaceous notes.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: The quintessential pasta shape for scooping up sauce and cheese in every bite.
- 1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers a bold, creamy punch of flavor in every mouthful.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the cheese blend.
How to Make Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onions, cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. The onions soften and release their sweetness, creating a flavorful base. Make sure to break up the beef while cooking for even browning and texture.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
Once the beef and onions are perfectly cooked, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. These three together form a thick, rich sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Mix everything until it’s well combined before moving on to seasoning.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Add the garlic salt, chili powder, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir everything together, and then reduce the heat so the sauce can simmer gently. This simmering time is crucial because it lets the flavors meld and develop, which is exactly what makes this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe so comforting and flavorful. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. You want your pasta just tender enough to hold its shape but still firm enough to provide a nice bite. Once done, drain it thoroughly to avoid watery sauce later on.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni directly into the sauce in the skillet. Stir thoroughly so every piece of pasta is fully coated with the delicious beef and tomato mixture. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor and that creamy, saucy goodness that defines good beefaroni.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese
Lower the heat and sprinkle the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta and sauce. Stir continuously until all the cheeses melt into a luscious, gooey layer. This melty cheese blend transforms the dish from simply tasty to downright irresistible, creating that signature cheesy goodness you expect from a wholesome Homemade Beefaroni Recipe.
How to Serve Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of sliced green onions can add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, cheesy Beefaroni. For a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes makes a great topper to awaken the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for balance. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also make for fantastic sides, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or to make meals extra special, bake the mixture in a casserole dish topped with a bit more shredded cheese and breadcrumbs until golden and bubbly. Another fun idea is to serve your Homemade Beefaroni Recipe in individual ramekins, making it feel like a cozy, personal serving—perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Beefaroni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this recipe freezes well. Portion the Beefaroni into freezer-safe containers and it will stay good for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover or thawed Beefaroni gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the pasta. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can swap in small shells, penne, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta size remains manageable for scooping and mixing with the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and add a bit more seasoning to keep that rich, savory depth. The cheeses and tomato base still make it deliciously comforting.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can fully prepare the dish, then refrigerate it before adding the cheese topping and melting it just before serving for fresh, gooey goodness.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have all three kinds?
Feel free to experiment with just cheddar or mozzarella alone, or add other cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack for a different twist on the creamy texture.
How do I make this recipe less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the chili powder, and be sure to taste as you go to adjust seasoning to your preference. The other herbs and tomato flavors will still shine beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Beefaroni Recipe is a timeless comfort food classic that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time. I encourage you to give it a try soon and make it your new go-to for cozy, flavorful dinners that bring everyone together.
Print
Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade Beefaroni recipe is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish featuring ground beef cooked with a rich tomato sauce and a blend of Italian herbs. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it combines tender elbow macaroni with a trio of melted cheeses for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Tomato Sauce Mixture
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onions together until the beef is no longer pink, ensuring onions become soft and translucent.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all the tomato elements evenly.
- Season and Simmer: Add garlic salt, chili powder, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir well, then allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, prepare the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the simmered sauce. Stir well so the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and flavors.
- Add Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and add shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir continuously over low heat until all cheeses are fully melted and smoothly incorporated, creating a creamy and cheesy Beefaroni dish ready to serve.
Notes
- Use 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat.
- Simmering the sauce allows the spices to fully develop, enhancing the flavor.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce and cheese.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese amounts or types based on preference or dietary needs.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
