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Homemade Beefaroni

Homemade Beefaroni
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A quick and hearty Homemade Beefaroni recipe that combines savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners. This comforting dish is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples, customizable to your taste, and ideal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Add Tomato Sauce and Seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the drained macaroni into the beef and tomato sauce mixture until fully coated. If using, stir in shredded cheese at this point to melt into the sauce.
  6. Serve Warm: Transfer to plates or bowls and garnish as desired. Enjoy your quick, comforting Homemade Beefaroni!

Notes

  • Use quality ground beef with about 85% lean for the best flavor and fat balance.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to avoid mushy texture after mixing with sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to develop richer and deeper flavors without burning the tomato.
  • Add cheese off the heat to preserve its texture and achieve a smooth melt.
  • Customize seasonings by tasting and adjusting salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference.
  • Optional variations include adding diced vegetables, a spicy kick with red pepper flakes, or swapping beef for ground turkey or chicken.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep pasta moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Homemade Beefaroni, beef pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef recipe, family meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/homemade-beefaroni/