Ingredients
Scale
For the Beefaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or extra-lean preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or other small pasta like shells or penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for a milder flavor)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain Excess Fat: If needed, drain any excess fat from the pan.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce
- Season the Sauce: Add the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika (if using). Stir to coat the beef and onions with the spices.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
- Add Broth and Worcestershire Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
- Add the Pasta: Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
- Simmer: Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the sauce as it cooks.
- Check for Doneness: Taste the pasta to ensure it’s tender. If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a splash of water or broth.
5. Add Cheese and Serve
- Melt the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or additional shredded cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g