This homemade Beefaroni is a tasty twist on the classic dish! With tender pasta and a rich beefy sauce, it’s comfort food that always hits the spot. Yum!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up, making it perfect for busy nights. Plus, leftovers taste even better! Who doesn’t love a freezer-friendly meal? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. You can opt for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Onion: Yellow onions are perfect for their sweet flavor when cooked. If you’re allergic to onions, you can use shallots or even leeks for a milder taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic offers a stronger flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, substituting with garlic powder works, but use less—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Tomato Sauce & Paste: These provide richness. If you want a fresher taste, consider using crushed tomatoes instead of sauce. You can also use homemade tomato sauce if you have some on hand.
Elbow Macaroni: While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use any small pasta. Penne or fusilli can work too, just adjust cooking times accordingly!
How Do You Properly Brown Ground Beef?
Browning your beef correctly is key to great flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet to medium-high heat—this helps create a nice sear.
- Add the ground beef without overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook in batches.
- Let the meat sit for a minute or two before stirring. This helps develop a deeper color.
- Use a wooden spoon to break up clumps and cook until no pink remains, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Don’t forget to drain any excess fat after browning to keep your dish from being greasy!
The Best Homemade Beefaroni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beefaroni:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious homemade beefaroni recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the beef and veggies, and then 10 to 12 minutes simmering with the pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat so you have a nice lean mixture for your beefaroni.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté everything together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent. This step adds a lovely flavor base to your dish!
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Now it’s time to build the sauce! Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will create a rich and delicious sauce for your beef and pasta.
4. Cook the Macaroni:
Once the sauce is bubbling, add the elbow macaroni. Stir to make sure all the pasta is nicely submerged in the sauce. Then, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it into the mixture now until it’s melted and creamy. This adds a wonderful richness to your beefaroni!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. If you’d like, garnish your beefaroni with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy the taste of homemade comfort food!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe. Just remember that turkey can be drier than beef, so you might want to add a little extra beef broth or a splash of olive oil to keep it moist.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want to spice things up, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to ensure it meets your heat preference!
Can I Make Beefaroni with Whole Wheat Pasta?
Yes! Whole wheat elbow macaroni can be used in place of regular pasta. Just keep in mind that whole wheat pasta may need a few extra minutes to cook, so check for tenderness a bit later than the 10-12 minute mark.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Enjoy!
