Beefaroni

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A classic comfort food dish that combines pasta and beef in a savory tomato sauce.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:55:51.362Z

Beefaroni is a nostalgic dish that many of us grew up with. It’s hearty, filling, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich beef flavor combined with tender pasta
  • Easy to make in one pot for less cleanup
  • Perfectly seasoned for a comforting meal
  • Kids and adults alike will love it

A Hearty Meal for Any Occasion

Beefaroni is not just a dish; it's a nostalgic reminder of family dinners and comforting meals. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying dish to serve at a gathering, this recipe hits the mark. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a favorite for both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone leaves the table happy and full.

What makes Beefaroni special is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes. Prefer more veggies? Toss in bell peppers or spinach. This dish encourages creativity in the kitchen while still delivering that classic comfort food vibe.

The Joy of One-Pot Cooking

One of the best aspects of making Beefaroni is the simplicity of one-pot cooking. With just a single pot, you can prepare a complete meal, reducing both prep time and cleanup. This is especially beneficial for busy weeknights when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones.

The one-pot method also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. As the ingredients cook together, the beef infuses the pasta and sauce with its savory richness, creating a dish that's more than the sum of its parts. This technique not only saves time but enhances the overall taste.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Beefaroni is an excellent choice for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated, making it a convenient option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. You can make a large batch and portion it out for busy days, ensuring you always have a hearty meal ready to go.

To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to restore its creamy texture. You'll appreciate the convenience of having this comforting dish on hand, ready to satisfy your hunger at any time.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation.

Instructions

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Add Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.

Combine Ingredients

Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.

Simmer

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Add Cheese

Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Beefaroni!

This dish is best served warm, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for the Best Beefaroni

To ensure your Beefaroni turns out perfectly, start by browning the ground beef thoroughly. This step not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nice texture to the dish. Don't skip draining the fat; this helps keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

When adding the elbow macaroni, make sure to stir it well into the sauce. This helps the pasta absorb all the delicious flavors. If you prefer a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Beefaroni can be served as is, but pairing it with a simple side salad or garlic bread can elevate your meal. A fresh salad provides a nice contrast to the hearty pasta, while garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

For an added touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, on top before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's aroma and flavor, making your Beefaroni even more inviting.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth.

→ Can I freeze Beefaroni?

Yes, Beefaroni can be frozen. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

→ What can I serve with Beefaroni?

A side salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with Beefaroni.

Beefaroni

A classic comfort food dish that combines pasta and beef in a savory tomato sauce.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 cup elbow macaroni
  3. 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  4. 1 cup beef broth
  5. 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  6. 1/2 onion, chopped
  7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  8. 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.

Step 03

Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.

Step 04

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Step 05

Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 06

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Beefaroni!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 20g