There’s something magical about a dish that feels like home in every bite. Beefaroni, a hearty combination of ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich, cheesy sauce, is exactly that kind of comfort food. Whether it reminds you of childhood dinners or gives you a quick, satisfying meal option, this recipe is an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Why Beefaroni is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Beefaroni is more than just a simple pasta dish—it’s a warm, filling meal that brings families together. Its creamy, cheesy sauce and flavorful beef make it satisfying, while the tender macaroni adds the perfect texture. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to suit your taste, making it ideal for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.
Ingredients for Beefaroni
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish, broken down into categories for easy preparation:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb. | Provides rich, savory flavor |
| Salt/Pepper | To taste | For seasoning |
| Yellow Onion | ½ cup, diced | Adds sweetness and depth |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | Enhances the richness |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | For aromatic flavor |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons | Thickens the sauce |
| Tomato Paste | 1 tablespoon | Intensifies the tomato flavor |
| Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, shredded | For creamy, cheesy goodness |
| Macaroni | ½ lb. (2 cups) | Classic choice for Beefaroni |
Sauce Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Broth | 1 ½ cups | Forms the sauce base |
| Tomato Sauce | 8 oz. | Adds richness to the dish |
| Half and Half | ½ cup | Balances creaminess |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 teaspoon | Adds umami depth |
| Yellow Mustard | 1 teaspoon | Brings a tangy kick |
| Ketchup | 1 teaspoon | Sweetens and balances flavors |
| Beef Bouillon Cube | ½ cube, crumbled | Boosts the savory profile |
| Dried Oregano | ¾ teaspoon | For herby notes |
| Dried Basil | ¾ teaspoon | Complements the tomato flavors |
| Dried Parsley | ¾ teaspoon | Adds a subtle freshness |
How to Make Beefaroni: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, measure out all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process and avoids last-minute scrambling.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Brown the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Remove the beef and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to form a roux.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to blend with the roux.
6. Add the Liquid Ingredients
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add the tomato sauce, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, and crumbled bouillon cube.
- Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Season the Sauce
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, and parsley.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
8. Combine the Ingredients
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix it into the sauce.
- Add the drained macaroni, stirring to coat each piece in the rich, flavorful sauce.
9. Finish with Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cook until the cheese has fully melted and the Beefaroni is creamy and gooey.
10. Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the Beefaroni into bowls or plates.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese if desired.
Nutritional Information for Beefaroni
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | ~750mg |
Tips for Perfecting Your Beefaroni
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
Opt for freshly grated cheddar cheese and a good-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
2. Adjust the Consistency
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or half and half.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
3. Experiment with Add-Ins
- Mix in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for extra texture and nutrition.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for a crispy finish.
4. Choose the Right Pasta
While macaroni is traditional, penne or rigatoni also work well.
Why You’ll Love Beefaroni
- Quick and Easy: This one-pot meal comes together in under 45 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: The cheesy, savory flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for a lighter version.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store Beefaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
4. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the point of adding cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and stir in the cheese.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
Beefaroni is a nostalgic dish that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. Its creamy, cheesy sauce and hearty beef make it a favorite for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences.
Your Next Steps
Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and whip up a batch of Beefaroni tonight. It’s a meal that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table and make everyone ask for seconds!
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Beefaroni: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Relive the warmth of home with this comforting Beefaroni recipe! A hearty blend of ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, cheesy sauce comes together in a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, this classic comfort food will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 lb (2 cups) macaroni
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1/2 beef bouillon cube, crumbled
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce Base
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Mix in the tomato paste until blended.
- Add Liquid Ingredients
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth to avoid lumps.
- Stir in tomato sauce, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, and crumbled bouillon cube. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Season the Sauce
- Add dried oregano, basil, and parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, mixing it into the sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni and stir until well coated.
- Finish with Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted and the Beefaroni is creamy and gooey.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon into bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional cheddar cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Consistency Adjustments: For a thinner sauce, add a splash of beef broth. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Add-Ins: Enhance with chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for extra texture and nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American