Beefaroni
Beefaroni is a classic, comforting dish combining hearty ground beef with tender elbow macaroni in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melty cheese. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This one-pot meal is customizable, budget-friendly, and loved by all ages, making it a family favorite that delivers warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta substitution)
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Pasta
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Aromatics and Oils
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to create a flavorful base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic fragrant, building layers of aroma and flavor.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently to deepen and meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and add the pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Thoroughly mix the pasta into the sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan and allow the cheese to melt, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta; aim for al dente to keep texture when combined with sauce.
- Season the ground beef with salt while browning to enhance its flavor.
- Use a quality tomato sauce for the best richness and taste.
- Stir gently when adding pasta to avoid breaking the noodles.
- Simmer sauce low and slow for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Beefaroni, ground beef pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pot meal, budget-friendly, family meal