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. It’s a go-to recipe that brings back those childhood memories, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Why You Should Make 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. Simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni to al dente.
- Once simmered, fold in the cooked pasta and fully coat it in the sauce.
- Turn off the heat and gradually incorporate the shredded cheese to avoid clumping.
- Once the cheese is fully incorporated and melted, garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
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 make Beefaroni in just one pan? Yes! To make this Cheesy Homemade Beefaroni in just one pan, follow these steps after browning the beef and stirring in the tomato paste:
- Add 2 cups of chicken or beef stock to the pan.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce.
- Cover the pan and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10–12 minutes.
- Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cheese and serve!
- This method makes cleanup a breeze and keeps all the flavor in one pot.
- 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 elbow macaroni
- 1, 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8-ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 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. Simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni to al dente.
- Once simmered, fold in the cooked pasta and fully coat it in the sauce.
- Turn off the heat and gradually incorporate the shredded cheese to avoid clumping.
- Once the cheese is fully incorporated and melted, garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the pasta just to al dente. It will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Slowly incorporate the shredded cheese to avoid clumping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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