Description
This easy homemade Beefaroni recipe is a comforting one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, freezer meals, and kid-friendly dinners. A nostalgic classic made better from scratch.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
15 ounces tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth (or water)
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen flavor.
4. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly combined.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with optional toppings like fresh parsley or extra cheese.
Notes
Stir the pasta every few minutes to prevent sticking to the pan.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Add veggies like spinach or peas during the last few minutes of simmering for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg