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
Scale
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.
