There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of homemade beefaroni, isn’t there? It takes me back to cozy family dinners where every bite felt like a hug. This hearty dish combines tender pasta and seasoned ground beef in a savory tomato sauce that just hits the spot. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or those lazy Sundays when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef – I like to use lean beef for a healthier option, but any ground beef works!
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – This is the base of our delicious sauce, so pick your favorite brand!
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – These add a nice texture and extra flavor; you can go for the seasoned ones if you want a little kick.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni – The classic choice! You can use other small pasta shapes if that’s what you have on hand.
- 1 cup beef broth – This enhances the beefy flavor, but vegetable broth works too for a lighter touch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings everything together; don’t skip this step!
- Salt to taste – Just a pinch will do, but adjust based on your preference.
- Pepper to taste – Freshly ground is best for flavor!
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional) – I love stirring this in at the end for extra creaminess; mozzarella or cheddar are fantastic choices.
How to Prepare Homemade Beefaroni
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want it nice and browned, which should take about 5–7 minutes. The key here is to drain any excess fat once it’s cooked; you don’t want your beefaroni swimming in grease. I usually just tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the fat. This step makes a huge difference in the final dish!
Step 2: Add the Sauces and Seasoning
Next, it’s time to bring all those delicious flavors together! Pour in the can of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, followed by the beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine; you want those flavors to meld perfectly. The aroma at this point is just heavenly—I can’t help but smile!
Step 3: Stir in the Elbow Macaroni
Now, let’s add the elbow macaroni! Stir it right into the sauce mixture; it’s going to soak up all that goodness as it cooks. Bring the whole mixture to a boil. Once you see those bubbles, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when the magic happens—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
After 15 minutes, check the macaroni for doneness; it should be tender but not mushy. If you’re feeling indulgent, stir in the shredded cheese now until it’s melted and ooey-gooey. Serve it warm in big bowls, topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs if you like. Trust me, this homemade beefaroni is comfort food at its finest!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the typical nutritional values per serving of this delicious homemade beefaroni. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 20g
This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a great option for a family meal. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for even the pickiest eaters.
- One-pan meal means easy cleanup—yay for less dishes!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Hearty and filling, making it great for family dinners.
- Leftovers are just as delicious for lunch the next day!
Tips for Success
To make your homemade beefaroni truly shine, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option—just be sure to adjust your cooking time slightly. If you want to boost the nutrients, toss in some diced bell peppers or spinach when you add the sauces; they cook down beautifully! Also, don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste as you go to find that perfect balance. Lastly, for an extra creamy texture, use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt will happen because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Just add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it from drying out. A quick stir and you’ll be back to that comforting homemade beefaroni goodness in no time!
FAQ About Homemade Beefaroni
Got questions about making this delicious homemade beefaroni? No problem! Here are some common ones:
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, any small pasta shape like shells or rotini works great, too.
What if I don’t have beef broth? You can substitute with chicken broth or even water in a pinch; just add a bit more seasoning for flavor.
Can I add vegetables? Yes! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, peas, or even zucchini when you add the sauces for extra nutrition.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Definitely! Just cool it completely, then store in an airtight container. It reheats beautifully!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this baked mac and cheese recipe that is sure to please!
Print
Homemade Beefaroni: 5 Comforting Bites to Savor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A comforting and hearty dish made with pasta and beef in a savory tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- If using, stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: homemade beefaroni, beef pasta, easy dinner
