Growing up, the smell of tomato sauce and elbow macaroni was a sign of a favorite meal – homemade beefaroni. This dish has been loved by families for years. It’s a hearty meal that makes everyone feel warm inside.
Thinking back, I remember the taste of ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta. It was always a joy to eat.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade beefaroni is a comforting classic that combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce.
- The recipe takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
- This dish is perfect for picky eaters and makes for a quick, family-friendly dinner solution.
- The recipe yields 8 servings, making it a great option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
- Nutritional information includes 444 calories, 6.2g of sugar, and 26.6g of protein per serving.
Why Beefaroni Recipe Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
Ground beef casserole recipes like Beefaroni Recipe are a hit with families. This one-pot meal has elbow macaroni in a cheesy tomato sauce. It’s a cozy, easy dish that many families love.
Perfect for Picky Eaters
Beefaroni is great for families with picky eaters. It has tender pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy tomato sauce. Kids will love this kid-friendly pasta dish.
Budget-Friendly Dinner Option
Beefaroni is also a budget-friendly dinner. It uses common ingredients like ground beef and canned tomatoes. It’s a cost-effective meal for busy nights.
Quick 40-Minute Meal Solution
Beefaroni cooks in just 40 minutes. It’s a quick meal solution for busy families. Prep to plate, it’s fast and comforting.
Beefaroni’s flavors, affordable ingredients, and quick prep make it a family favorite. Your loved ones will ask for seconds.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Beefaroni Recipe
To make the ultimate beefaroni dish, you need the right ingredients. This classic recipe combines flavors and textures perfectly. Let’s look at the key ingredients that make it so good.
The heart of the recipe is the ground beef. Use 1 pound of 85/15 lean ground beef for the best taste and texture. A small yellow onion, diced, and two cloves of minced garlic add depth and aroma.
The sauce is made with a 28-ounce can of tomato sauce. Add a tablespoon of brown sugar, two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, and a half-teaspoon of smoked paprika. These ingredients create the rich, savory sauce that makes beefaroni so tasty.
For the pasta, use 1 cup of dry elbow macaroni. It’s the perfect shape to soak up the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make the ultimate beefaroni recipe. Your family will love it so much, they’ll ask for seconds. Get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound, 85/15 lean |
| Onion | 1 small yellow, diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 (28-ounce) can |
| Brown Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Smoked Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Elbow Macaroni | 1 cup, dry |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Parsley (optional) | Freshly chopped |
Kitchen Equipment and Prep Work
To make the Homemade Beefaroni Recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Start with a large skillet or saucepan for cooking the ground beef. You’ll also need a pasta pot for boiling the noodles. And, a cheese grater is essential for shredding the cheese fresh.
Required Cooking Tools
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Pasta pot
- Cheese grater
Ingredient Preparation Tips
Before cooking, prepare your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Prepping your ingredients will make cooking faster and easier.
| Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Onion | Diced |
| Garlic | Minced |
| Cheddar Cheese | Freshly shredded |
With your tools and ingredients ready, you’re set for a tasty, easy pasta bake. Your family will love it.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the perfect homemade beefaroni recipe is simple! Just follow these easy steps to create a tasty tomato beef pasta dish. Your family will love it.
- Start by cooking the elbow macaroni as the package says until it’s al dente. Then, drain and set it aside.
- In a big skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Drain any extra fat.
- Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are clear.
- Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to mix the flavors well.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, ketchup, and brown sugar. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens.
- Lower the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Finally, add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the tasty tomato beef sauce.
Enjoy your homemade beefaroni right away or save it in the fridge for later. This hearty beefaroni recipe or tomato beef pasta dish will quickly become a family favorite!
Making the Rich Tomato Sauce Base
The heart of your Homemade Beefaroni is the rich tomato sauce. It’s made by mixing tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. This blend creates a savory base for the ground beef and pasta.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancement
To make the sauce taste better, add Italian seasoning, chili powder, and smoked paprika. A bit of Worcestershire sauce also enhances the flavor. Let the sauce simmer slowly to mix the flavors well.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
As the sauce cooks, add a little heavy cream towards the end. This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
“The key to a truly exceptional Beefaroni is the balance of flavors in the tomato sauce base. With the right blend of seasonings and the addition of cream, you’ll achieve a rich, luxurious sauce that will have your family coming back for seconds.”
Creating a flavorful tomato sauce is key to a great Homemade Beefaroni. It combines savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy richness. This mix makes a dish that’s comforting and satisfying for everyone.
Cooking and Preparing the Pasta
To make this tasty easy pasta bake and kid-friendly pasta dish, start by boiling the elbow macaroni. Use salted water and cook until it’s just right, about 8 minutes. Make sure not to overcook it, as it will soften more when mixed with the tomato sauce.
After cooking, drain the pasta well and add a bit of butter. This step keeps the pasta from sticking together. It makes the dish smooth and easy to eat.
| Cooking Time | Pasta Texture | Tossing with Butter |
|---|---|---|
| 8 minutes | Al dente | Prevents sticking |
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked pasta for your Beefaroni dish. The al dente texture and buttery coating will make your easy pasta bake and kid-friendly pasta dish a hit every time.
Combining Ground Beef and Sauce
The secret to a tasty beef pasta recipe or ground beef casserole is in how you mix the ground beef and tomato sauce. A few simple steps can make the flavors pop and blend perfectly.
Proper Meat Browning Techniques
Start by heating a big skillet over medium-high heat. Put in the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. This ensures it browns evenly.
Keep cooking until the beef is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Then, drain off any extra fat. Leave just a thin layer for extra flavor.
Incorporating Seasonings
After the beef is browned, it’s time for the seasonings. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Then, sprinkle in your spices. Use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix these into the beef well.
To get all the tasty browned bits, add a bit of tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan. This way, you get every bit of flavor into the sauce.
By doing this, you’ll make a beef mix that’s full of flavor. It will blend perfectly with the tomato sauce. This makes for a comforting and delicious beef pasta recipe or ground beef casserole.
Adding the Perfect Cheese Blend
Making the ultimate cheesy pasta bake begins with the right cheese mix. For a homemade family pasta night treat, mix medium cheddar and mozzarella cheese. These cheeses blend well, making a creamy, melty sauce that everyone loves.
Start by saving half of the cheese blend for the top. Mix the rest with the tomato sauce. This way, the cheese melts evenly, avoiding clumps.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded Sharp White Cheddar Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup |
Choose freshly grated cheese for the best taste. It melts better and tastes richer, making your cheesy pasta bake even more delicious.
After mixing the pasta and sauce, add the saved cheese on top. Cover it and let the heat melt the cheese. This makes a gooey, tasty family pasta night treat.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Make the most of your homemade beefaroni by storing and reheating it right. This budget-friendly dinner is perfect for family pasta nights. It stays fresh for days and reheats easily.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep leftover beefaroni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This keeps the flavors strong and the sauce moist. You can also freeze it for 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Best Reheating Practices
To reheat beefaroni, add a bit of cream or broth to avoid a dry sauce. Heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. Adjust the seasoning before serving.
Follow these tips to enjoy your beefaroni for longer. It’s a great, affordable choice for family pasta nights.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Customizing your beefaroni recipe or beef pasta recipe is fun. Try different pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle. This adds texture and visual appeal to your dish.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce. This gives your dish a unique flavor.
Boost the nutrition by adding fresh veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. This makes your beefaroni a hit with everyone.
Play with cheese types like cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix. Find the perfect cheese blend that your family loves.
Change the sauce’s thickness by adding more broth or cream. This lets you make the dish just right for you.
“Customizing your beefaroni recipe is the key to making it your own family favorite.”
Want a creamy, cheesy dish or something spicier? The choices are endless. Let your creativity shine and enjoy the tasty outcome!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
When making the beefaroni recipe, it’s key to look at the nutrition and serving size. This ensures your family pasta night is tasty and healthy. One serving, about 1/8 of the recipe, has around 550 calories. It also has 45g of carbs, 33g of protein, and 26g of fat.
This dish is a good fiber source, with 4g per serving. It also has calcium and iron. With 8 servings per batch, it’s great for families or for leftovers. You can adjust the serving sizes to fit your diet or taste.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 33g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Keep in mind, these values are estimates. The actual nutrition may change based on your ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoy this comforting dish at your next family pasta night.
Conclusion
This homemade beefaroni recipe is a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. You can customize it to fit different tastes and dietary needs.
It’s made with simple ingredients and cooks quickly. This makes it a great choice for a hearty, family-friendly meal. It’s also a way to recreate a beloved childhood favorite.
So, why not try this easy, delicious beefaroni recipe today? Get your ingredients ready and start cooking. The aroma of homemade beefaroni will make your kitchen smell amazing. Your taste buds and family will love this comforting meal.
FAQ
What is the total cooking time for this beefaroni recipe?
This homemade beefaroni recipe takes about 40 minutes to cook. You’ll need 5 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook it.
What are the key ingredients in this beefaroni recipe?
You’ll need elbow macaroni, ground beef, onion, and garlic. Also, Italian seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, and tomato paste are key. Don’t forget tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and medium cheddar cheese.
Can this recipe be customized or altered?
Yes, you can make this beefaroni your own. Try different pasta shapes or add veggies. You can also spice it up or use different cheeses.
How many servings does this beefaroni recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings. Each serving has about 550 calories.
How should leftover beefaroni be stored and reheated?
Store leftover beefaroni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a bit of cream or broth. This helps loosen the sauce. Reheat over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring often.
Is this beefaroni recipe suitable for families with picky eaters?
Yes, it’s great for families with picky eaters. It uses familiar shapes and a cheesy tomato sauce that’s like classic spaghetti sauce.
Is this beefaroni recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it’s a budget-friendly option. It uses common pantry ingredients.
How much time is required to prepare this beefaroni recipe?
Preparation takes just 5 minutes. This makes it a quick and easy meal for busy nights.
Source Links
- The Easiest Beefaroni Recipe – https://midwestfoodieblog.com/beefaroni/
- Beefaroni – https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/beefaroni/
- Homemade Beefaroni Casserole: Bring Back the Comfort Classics! – https://cooknshare.com/recipe/recipe/homemade-beefaroni-casserole-bring-back-the-comfort-classics/
- Get this CHEESY GOODNESS in your Instant Pot!!! – https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/instant-pot-pressure-cooker-american-chop-suey-aka-beefaroni/