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
Scale
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.
