This homemade Beefaroni is a family-friendly, comforting pasta dish packed with rich tomato sauce, ground beef, and plenty of cheese. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Skip the canned version and enjoy this hearty, homemade classic that both kids and adults will love!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or any short pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir in oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
5. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

A Hearty, Flavorful Base: Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce

The base of any great Beefaroni is the combination of ground beef and a rich tomato sauce. Ground beef provides a meaty, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes. The ground beef is browned in olive oil, which adds a subtle richness to the dish and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the meat. By using lean ground beef or ground turkey, you can adjust the fat content of the dish to suit your dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for a variety of families.

The tomato sauce and diced tomatoes create a hearty, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta and meat. The tomatoes offer both sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the beef and creating a satisfying base for the dish. Simmering the sauce for a few minutes allows the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a robust sauce that complements the pasta and meat perfectly.

Herbs and Spices: Adding Depth and Aroma

To enhance the flavor of the sauce, this homemade Beefaroni recipe uses a blend of dried oregano, dried basil, and smoked paprika. Oregano and basil are classic herbs in Italian cooking, bringing a warm, aromatic depth to the dish. These herbs enhance the natural flavors of the tomato sauce, making it more savory and flavorful. The addition of smoked paprika gives the sauce a subtle smokiness that adds complexity and depth, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the beef.

Salt and black pepper are used to season the dish, helping to bring all the flavors together. These basic seasonings are essential for creating a well-rounded, savory dish that is both comforting and satisfying. The blend of herbs and spices creates a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for coating the pasta and beef, giving each bite a burst of rich flavor.

Cheese: The Creamy, Gooey Finish

No Beefaroni is complete without the perfect amount of cheese. This recipe calls for both shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, two varieties that complement each other beautifully. The cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, making it creamy and indulgent, while the Parmesan adds a salty, tangy kick that enhances the overall flavor.

The combination of cheeses creates a smooth, creamy finish that ties together the tomato sauce, beef, and pasta. The richness of the cheese balances the acidity of the tomato sauce, adding a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth quality to each bite. Cheese lovers will appreciate the gooey texture and flavor that cheese brings to this comforting dish.

The Perfect Pasta: A Pillowy Base

Pasta is the heart of Beefaroni, and choosing the right shape is key to creating the perfect dish. This recipe calls for elbow macaroni, a classic choice that holds the sauce well and offers a satisfying bite. The curved shape of the elbow macaroni allows the sauce to cling to the pasta, ensuring each bite is filled with flavor.

The pasta is boiled to al dente perfection, ensuring that it has just the right amount of bite and texture. Overcooking the pasta can cause it to become mushy, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to maintain that perfect texture. Once the pasta is drained, it’s combined with the rich tomato sauce and beef mixture, and then the cheeses are stirred in until they melt into the dish, creating a creamy, comforting meal.

A Quick and Easy Dinner Solution

One of the best things about this homemade Beefaroni is how quickly it comes together. With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and filling meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The recipe requires only a few simple steps: boil the pasta, brown the beef, sauté the aromatics, make the sauce, and combine everything together. The ease of preparation makes this dish perfect for families who are short on time but still want a home-cooked meal.

Another benefit of this recipe is that it’s one-pan, meaning you don’t have to deal with multiple pots and pans. This makes cleanup quick and easy, which is always a bonus after a busy day. The simplicity of the recipe, along with its rich and comforting flavor, makes homemade Beefaroni a go-to meal for any night of the week.

Budget-Friendly and Filling

Homemade Beefaroni is a budget-friendly meal that can feed a family without breaking the bank. The ingredients are simple and affordable, with ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, and basic seasonings being the main components. The use of cheese adds richness and flavor without making the dish overly expensive. By making Beefaroni from scratch, you’re also able to control the portion sizes, allowing you to get more value out of each meal.

The dish is hearty and filling, thanks to the combination of pasta, beef, and cheese. It’s a satisfying meal that provides plenty of protein and fiber, making it a great option for both adults and kids. The balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat ensures that the dish will keep everyone full and satisfied until the next meal.

Customizing Your Beefaroni

While this Beefaroni recipe is delicious as written, it’s also easy to customize based on your preferences. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian option. For added vegetables, you can stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, making the dish more nutrient-dense and colorful.

If you prefer a spicier version of Beefaroni, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, for a different flavor profile. These simple variations allow you to make the dish your own while still maintaining the comforting essence of Beefaroni.

A Family Favorite Meal

Beefaroni is a dish that has stood the test of time because it’s simple, satisfying, and universally loved. This homemade version takes the classic comfort food to the next level, offering a fresh, hearty meal that both kids and adults will enjoy. The combination of savory beef, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese makes for a comforting dinner that will leave everyone full and happy.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, homemade Beefaroni is a go-to meal that will never disappoint. The flavors are familiar, the ingredients are simple, and the result is a dish that everyone will love.

Conclusion

Homemade Beefaroni is the perfect family-friendly dish that combines the heartiness of pasta, the richness of a tomato sauce, and the comforting flavors of beef and cheese. It’s a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. The simple ingredients, combined with the ability to customize the dish, ensure that Beefaroni will continue to be a favorite meal for years to come.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this homemade Beefaroni is a satisfying and flavorful option that’s guaranteed to please everyone. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, this dish is the perfect solution for when you want a hearty, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and enjoy a classic comfort food that tastes even better when made at home.