If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate, this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe is just what you need. It blends tender ground beef, tangy tomato flavors, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a luscious mix of cheeses, delivering a hearty dish that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Beefaroni Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich, flavorful dish. Each component plays an essential role in adding depth, color, and texture, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended): The star protein providing savory richness and hearty texture.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and aroma when cooked.
- 15 oz tomato sauce: A smooth tomato base that gives the dish a comforting tang.
- 6 oz tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce wonderfully.
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes: Adds texture and extra bursts of fresh tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Brings a well-rounded garlic kick and seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle warmth and a hint of spice.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the sauce with an herby, earthy note.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a sweet and fragrant layer to the overall taste.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto all the delicious, cheesy sauce.
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For bold flavor and melty goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a creamy, stretchy texture that every cheesy dish needs.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles a nutty finish and an extra punch of savory flavor.
How to Make Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef along with the finely chopped onions. Cook everything until the beef is no longer pink and the onions start to soften and become fragrant. This step builds the meaty base and develops those irresistible savory aromas that signal something delicious is on its way.
Step 2: Combine Tomato Sauces and Tomatoes
Once your beef mixture is ready, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. These three elements work in harmony to deliver that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and slightly thickened sauce that clings to each pasta piece.
Step 3: Season the Sauce and Let It Simmer
Add garlic salt, chili powder, oregano, and basil next. Stir everything well, letting the herbs and spices infuse into the sauce. Let it all simmer gently for about 15 minutes, which helps to marry the flavors beautifully and deepen the tomato richness.
Step 4: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
While the sauce simmers, boil your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente—firm but with just the right bite. Drain it thoroughly to avoid watery beefaroni, then get ready to bring everything together.
Step 5: Mix Pasta Into the Sauce
Pour the cooked elbow macaroni into the tomato and beef sauce, stirring until every little piece is generously coated. This is where that creamy, tomatoey goodness really envelops your pasta, making each bite comforting and delicious.
Step 6: Add the Cheeses
Reduce the heat and sprinkle in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until all the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce, transforming it into the rich, cheesy coating that’s the hallmark of this dish.
Step 7: Final Stir and Serve
Give everything one last good stir to make sure the cheese blends fully with the pasta and sauce. Now you have a bubbling, cheesy, meaty masterpiece ready to make anyone’s mealtime extra special.
How to Serve Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil is a simple way to add a pop of color and freshness to the hearty richness of the Homemade Beefaroni Recipe. Some red pepper flakes work well too if you want a touch of heat that contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread for scooping, or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans, balancing the richness with some freshness and texture variety. A light vinaigrette salad can also brighten the entire meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Homemade Beefaroni Recipe in individual oven-safe bowls topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. It’s a fun twist that turns dinner into an instant special occasion. Or scoop it into hollowed bell peppers for a colorful, kid-friendly presentation guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your beefaroni cools completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy this tasty meal again without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for longer, Homemade Beefaroni Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a quick, comforting dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and, if the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or water to restore that creamy, saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use small shells, rotini, or even mini penne. Just make sure you cook them al dente so they hold up well in the sauce without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a hearty, vegetarian version. Increase the seasoning slightly to give it that savory depth.
How spicy is this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe?
It’s mildly spiced thanks to the chili powder, but you can adjust it to taste by adding more or less. If you prefer no heat at all, just omit the chili powder.
Can I make this recipe ahead and bake it later?
Yes! Prepare it up to the point before adding cheese, then refrigerate. Before serving, add the cheeses and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the cheese melts and bubbles, about 20 minutes.
What cheese combination works best for this recipe?
The sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan trio gives the Beefaroni a delicious balance of bold flavor, creamy stretchiness, and savory nutty notes. You can experiment with other cheeses, but this blend is a sure winner.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade dish that feels familiar, rich, and completely satisfying, and this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe has all of that in every cheesy, beefy bite. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry adults, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and full of heart. Give it a try next time you want dinner to feel like a warm embrace.
Print
Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Beefaroni recipe is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish featuring savory ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce and mixed with elbow macaroni. Topped with a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, it’s perfect for a hearty family dinner that comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
Tomato Base
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onions, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add Tomato Ingredients. Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together to create a combined tomato base sauce.
- Season and Simmer Sauce. Add garlic salt, chili powder, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir well to incorporate all the spices. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta. While the sauce simmers, prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Then, drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce. Add the cooked macaroni into the skillet with the tomato beef sauce. Stir to evenly coat the pasta in the flavorful sauce.
- Add Cheese. Reduce the heat to low and mix in the shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Melt and Incorporate Cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheese melts completely and becomes a creamy part of the pasta and sauce mixture. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- Use 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat content.
- For a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add red pepper flakes.
- Be sure to cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
