Introduction: A Nostalgic Classic Reinvented
Few dishes can take you back to childhood like a warm, cheesy bowl of beefaroni. This all-American comfort food, a blend of ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce, is a pantry-friendly meal that satisfies on busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Whether you grew up with the canned version or are discovering it for the first time, our beefaroni recipe brings a homemade twist that beats store-bought every time.
At Using Recipes, we believe every meal should be simple, flavorful, and accessible. That’s why we’ve crafted this easy-to-follow guide to making beefaroni from scratch—complete with variations, storage tips, and serving ideas. Let’s dive into this timeless favorite.
What Is Beefaroni?
Beefaroni is a hybrid of two classics: beef and macaroni. Traditionally made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, and tomato sauce, it’s like a simplified American goulash or a kid-friendly version of pasta Bolognese. The beauty of beefaroni lies in its versatility—you can make it cheesy, spicy, veggie-loaded, or even gluten-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons beefaroni remains a staple is how easy it is to make with pantry essentials. Here’s what you’ll need for a traditional batch:
Main Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef (lean or extra-lean)
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2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
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1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for thicker texture)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft (about 4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
3. Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to develop the flavor.
5. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked macaroni to the meat sauce. Stir until everything is well coated. If you like it cheesy, mix in the shredded cheddar at this point.
6. Optional: Bake for Extra Comfort
Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes for a golden, bubbling finish.
Why You’ll Love This Beefaroni Recipe
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Quick and easy: On the table in under 30 minutes.
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Budget-friendly: Uses common ingredients you likely already have.
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Kid-approved: A surefire hit with picky eaters.
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Meal prep-friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
Variations and Add-Ons
Want to take your beefaroni to the next level? Here are a few twists:
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Cheesy Beefaroni: Add mozzarella or provolone for a gooey finish.
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Spicy Beefaroni: Add red pepper flakes or swap in hot Italian sausage.
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Veggie Beefaroni: Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
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Creamy Beefaroni: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for a creamier sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Beefaroni
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Choose the right pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells or rotini work well too.
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Don’t overcook the pasta: It continues to soften when mixed with the hot sauce.
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Balance your sauce: Too thick? Add a splash of broth. Too watery? Let it simmer longer or add tomato paste.
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Cheese last: Always add cheese at the end or before baking for the best melt and texture.
Storage and Reheating
Storing:
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze beefaroni in individual portions or a large container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Serving Suggestions
Beefaroni is a meal on its own, but here are a few tasty pairings:
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Side Salad – Something light and crisp like a Caesar or Italian salad.
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Garlic Bread – Because carbs on carbs is sometimes the only answer.
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Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make a great complement.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 480
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sodium: 710mg
Note: Exact nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.
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Final Thoughts
Beefaroni is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a nostalgic, heartwarming dish that brings people together. With this easy homemade recipe, you get all the comfort without the preservatives of canned versions. Customize it, freeze it, reheat it—it’s a true kitchen workhorse.
