This Cheesy Homemade Beefaroni is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a quick, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. This classic dish is loaded with flavorful ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce that comes together effortlessly, in one pan. It’s a go-to recipe that brings back those childhood memories, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Why You Will Love This Cheesy Homemade Beefaroni
- Quick and Easy: This beefaroni recipe is perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to be a family favorite.
- Flavorful: The spice blend adds a depth of flavor that elevates this simple pasta dish.
- Cheesy Goodness: This cheesy beefaroni is loaded with melty mozzarella, sharp white cheddar, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Ingredients
You may already have all the ingredients you need for this Cheesy Homemade Beefaroni right in your pantry, making it a convenient and delicious meal option.
- Ground Beef: Easily substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Onion: Use shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.
- Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove).
- Elbow Macaroni: Swap with any short pasta like penne, rotini or shells.
- Diced Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree for a smoother texture.
- Tomato Paste: Substitute with an equal amount of ketchup or thick tomato sauce.
- Tomato Sauce: Use marinara sauce as an alternative.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Replace with Monterey Jack, provolone or a cheese blend.
- Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: Use regular cheddar, Colby or gouda instead.
- Parmesan Cheese: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
- Spices: Use your favorite spice blend or Italian seasoning as a substitute for the listed spices.
How to Make Cheesy Homemade Beefaroni
This Cheesy Homemade Beefaroni is incredibly easy to prepare:
- Start browning the ground beef in a deep sauté pan. Sprinkle on the spices.
- Break apart the meat as it browns. Once almost fully cooked, add in the minced garlic and onions.
- Sauté for a few more minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and allow it to toast for a few minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, along with the dried pasta and beef stock.
- Simmer covered for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and top with the shredded cheese. Cover an allow the cheese to melt.
How to Serve and Store Beefaroni
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside garlic bread for an extra touch of comfort.
- Compliment with steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
How to Store:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F, or microwave in individual portions until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can swap in small shells, penne, ditalini, or any small tubular pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using the one-pan method—some pastas may take a bit longer to cook through.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, Beefaroni reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.
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Cheesy Homemade Beefaroni
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Homemade Beefaroni is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a quick, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup minced onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups dried elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1, 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8-ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Spice Blend:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Mix the spice blend together in a small bowl.
- Start browning the ground beef in a deep sauté pan. Sprinkle on the spices.
- Break apart the meat as it browns. Once almost fully cooked, add in the minced garlic and onions.
- Sauté for a few more minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and allow it to toast for a few minutes.
- Mix in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Add the dried pasta and beef stock.
- Bring almost to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmered covered for about 10-12 minutes, stirring often to ensure the pasta is not sticking to the bottom.
- Stir in the fresh parsley.
- Top with the shredded cheese. Cover and allow the cheese to melt.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta.
- Stir often to ensure the pasta is not sticking to the bottom.
- Alternatively, melt the cheese under the broiler.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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