Beefaroni is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, hearty dish that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, and cheese to create a nostalgic family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying dish to please picky eaters, this beefaroni recipe delivers in every way. With simple pantry ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and endless customization options, homemade beefaroni is the perfect solution for busy home cooks, students, or anyone who craves a budget-friendly dinner. Not only does it come together quickly, but this recipe also freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep and future lunches.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a classic, homemade beefaroni from scratch, while sharing tips, tricks, and variations to ensure success. Unlike store-bought versions, this dish bursts with flavor and freshness that your family will appreciate. Plus, you’ll find ways to make it healthier, cheesier, or perfectly suited for your dietary needs. Pair it with simple sides like a green salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies every time. If you’re looking for more inspiration, these easy dumpling recipes for a quick family dinner will complement this meal beautifully. So let’s dive into the details of this hearty, crowd-pleasing beefaroni pasta recipe.
What is Beefaroni and Why is This Beefaroni Recipe So Popular?
Beefaroni is a simple yet comforting pasta dish that combines tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Originally made famous by Chef Boyardee’s canned version, this beefaroni recipe takes the classic to a whole new level by focusing on homemade, fresh ingredients. It’s often described as a cross between goulash and chili mac, but unlike those dishes, beefaroni has a thicker, creamy tomato-based sauce and fewer spices.
The beauty of homemade beefaroni is its versatility. You can make it on the stovetop in under 30 minutes or bake it in the oven for a cheesy casserole-style meal. Either way, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or large family gatherings. Many home cooks also love that beefaroni can easily be customized by adding vegetables, swapping proteins, or incorporating extra cheese.
For example, if you love pasta dishes that are quick and satisfying, this beefaroni pasta recipe will become your new favorite. The creamy tomato sauce and gooey cheese make every bite irresistible. Unlike similar dishes like hamburger helper copycat recipes, this beefaroni uses fresh ingredients, resulting in better flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Beefaroni Recipe
There are so many reasons why this beefaroni recipe will quickly become a family favorite. First, it’s incredibly quick to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a warm, comforting meal on the table, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
Second, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. With a few affordable pantry staples like ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce, you can feed an entire family without breaking the bank. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover ingredients, such as extra cheese or vegetables you have in the fridge.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish to suit your preferences. Want to make it healthier? Use lean ground turkey, whole-wheat pasta, or add extra veggies. Looking for something indulgent? Add more cheese to create a creamy, cheesy beefaroni that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Lastly, this homemade beefaroni is freezer-friendly and makes for excellent leftovers. Simply prepare a large batch, divide it into portions, and freeze it for future meals. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a winner. And if you’re looking for more satisfying family meals, pair it with this hearty chicken casserole for a balanced and filling dinner.
Ingredients for Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
To make this classic beefaroni recipe, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
Primary Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Use 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well.
- Elbow Macaroni Pasta: The traditional choice for beefaroni, but penne, rigatoni, or shell pasta can also be used.
- Tomato Products:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste for extra richness
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes for texture
- Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
- Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions for Customization
- Vegetables: Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Spices: Add chili powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Protein Alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or plant-based ground meat.
These ingredients combine perfectly to create a rich, savory dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. The ground beef pairs wonderfully with the creamy tomato sauce, while the cheddar cheese adds a hint of sharpness that takes the flavor to the next level.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Best Beefaroni Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Elbow Macaroni for Your Beefaroni Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, which typically takes about 7-8 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef for Your Beef and Macaroni Dish
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Savory Tomato Sauce for This Easy Beefaroni Recipe
Lower the heat to medium and add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering helps the flavors meld together and thickens the sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Beef, and Cheese for a Perfect Cheesy Beefaroni
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the sauce and ground beef mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 5: Optional – Bake Your Beefaroni Casserole for Extra Flavor
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy, cheesy texture. If you want an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to let it melt.
Step 6: Optional—Bake for a Cheesy Casserole
For a baked version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the beefaroni mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with additional cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
This step creates a beefaroni casserole that’s perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or when you want a little extra indulgence.
Variations and Additions
- Cheesy Beefaroni: Add an extra cup of mozzarella cheese to make the dish extra gooey.
- Vegetable-Loaded Beefaroni: Add spinach, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrition.
- Healthy Beefaroni: Use lean ground turkey and whole-wheat pasta.
- Spicy Beefaroni: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the sauce.
- Creamy Beefaroni: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Beefaroni
Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Beefaroni freezes beautifully! Allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Beefaroni
This beefaroni recipe is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can make it even better. Serve it with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A crisp green salad with Italian dressing
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans
If you want something sweet
to end the meal, try this decadent cinnamon roll cheesecake dessert.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 500-575 kcal
- Protein: 32-37g
- Carbs: 37-51g
- Fat: 25g (12-14g saturated fat)
These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
FAQs About Beefaroni Recipe
- Can I make beefaroni ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish, let it cool, and refrigerate or freeze it. - What pasta works best for beefaroni?
Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, but penne or rigatoni work as well. - How can I make this dish healthier?
Use lean meat, whole-wheat pasta, and add plenty of veggies. - Can I freeze beefaroni?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months. - What’s the difference between beefaroni and goulash?
Goulash typically includes more vegetables and has a thinner sauce, while beefaroni is creamy and simple.
Conclusion
This beefaroni recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy families, students, or anyone craving a nostalgic meal. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy tomato sauce, it’s easy to see why this dish is a classic favorite. Not only is it quick, budget-friendly, and freezer-friendly, but it’s also versatile enough to suit any taste or dietary need. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner that will bring smiles to your table.