Name: Homemade Beefaroni – A Childhood Classic Made Better
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 12 oz elbow macaroni; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Parmesan); 1 tbsp olive oil

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If you grew up on Beefaroni, you already know how comforting and satisfying this dish is. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with meaty, cheesy goodness. But trust me—homemade Beefaroni is a whole new level of delicious. No canned stuff here! Just tender elbow macaroni, a rich tomato and beef sauce, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s the kind of meal the whole family will love, and it comes together in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super easy to make – Ready in about 30 minutes!
Kid-friendly – A nostalgic favorite even picky eaters enjoy.
Budget-friendly – Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients

(A quick preview—find the full ingredient list below!)

Ground beef
Elbow macaroni
Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes
Onion, garlic, Italian seasoning
Cheddar or Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onions and garlic until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until fully coated. Sprinkle in shredded cheese and mix until melty.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls and top with extra cheese if you like. Serve hot!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the pasta – It will absorb some sauce and soften more.
Use quality cheese – Real cheddar melts better than pre-shredded.
Add a little sugar – Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it extra cheesy – Stir in some mozzarella for gooey goodness.
Go spicy – Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage instead of beef.
Make it healthier – Swap ground turkey for beef and use whole wheat pasta.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
A simple side salad – Balances out the richness.
Top with fresh basil – Adds a pop of freshness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I freeze Beefaroni?
Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What’s the best pasta for Beefaroni?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but you can use penne or rotini too.
Can I make this without cheese?
Absolutely! It’s still delicious without the extra cheese.
How do I make this in one pot?
Cook the beef first, then add uncooked pasta with extra water and simmer until tender.

Conclusion

Homemade Beefaroni is a quick, easy, and comforting meal that brings back childhood memories but tastes even better from scratch. Make it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or whenever you need a bowl of pure nostalgia!

Homemade Beefaroni – A Childhood Classic Made Better

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This homemade Beefaroni is a nostalgic comfort food classic made even better! Forget the canned version—this recipe features tender elbow macaroni, a rich tomato and beef sauce, and melty cheese for the ultimate weeknight dinner. Quick, budget-friendly, and kid-approved, it’s a dish the whole family will love.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 4: Combine and Melt the Cheese

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle in shredded cheese and stir until melted and combined.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta – It will absorb sauce and soften further.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
Make it extra cheesy – Stir in mozzarella for added gooeyness.