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Beefaroni

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Dairy

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: Beefaroni, ground beef pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pot meal, budget-friendly, family meal