Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Homemade Beefaroni


  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

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

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. 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.
  3. Drain Excess Fat: If needed, drain any excess fat from the pan.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  1. 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

  1. Season the Sauce: Add the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika (if using). Stir to coat the beef and onions with the spices.
  2. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
  3. 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

  1. Add the Pasta: Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Melt the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  2. 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