This homemade Beefaroni is a cozy hug in a bowl! With tender pasta and a rich beefy tomato sauce, it’s a meal that even picky eaters love.
Making it is super easy—just cook, mix, and eat! I often whip this up for a quick dinner. Who doesn’t love a warm, pasta-filled dish after a long day? 🍝
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish. For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try substituting with lentils or mushrooms to keep that hearty texture.
Onion and Garlic: Both add flavor. If you’re in a hurry, use onion powder and garlic powder as substitutes. I like using shallots for a sweeter taste if I’ve got them on hand!
Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but feel free to swap in any small pasta shape like shells or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta also works great here!
Beef Broth: For depth of flavor, beef broth is key. If you’re looking for a lighter dish, vegetable broth will still taste good. Just make sure to taste for seasoning since vegetable broth can be milder.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Both bring the tomato goodness. If you want a fresher taste, you can use crushed fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Roast them first for extra flavor!
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor When Browning Beef?
Browning the beef properly is essential for great flavor. This is where a rich, meaty taste develops. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat and let the pan get hot before adding the beef.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the meat from steaming. If needed, cook in batches.
- Break the meat apart with a spatula and avoid stirring too much; let it sit for a minute to brown well before flipping.
With these steps, you’ll end up with flavorful beef that enhances your beefaroni! Don’t forget to season as you go!
The Best Homemade Beefaroni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beefaroni:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Beefaroni recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 20-25 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, comforting, and sure to satisfy your cravings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it for about 5-7 minutes. As it cooks, use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it apart. If there’s a lot of fat, carefully drain it off before moving on to the next step.
2. Cooking the Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will add a wonderful flavor to your dish!
3. Combining Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to mix it all together! Stir in the elbow macaroni, beef broth, tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, watching carefully so it doesn’t overflow.
4. Simmering the Beefaroni:
Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the macaroni to cook and the sauce to thicken. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
5. Final Touches:
After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Taste your Beefaroni and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if you like. It should taste delicious!
6. Serving:
Serve your Beefaroni in warm bowls, garnished with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before digging in. Enjoy your homemade meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or even spiral pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you use, as some may take longer or shorter to cook.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a healthier or different option, ground turkey or chicken works great as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or plant-based ground meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is cooked through.
Can I Make Beefaroni Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the Beefaroni as directed, then let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, just reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to loosen the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Beefaroni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
