Homemade Beefaroni Recipe: A Cheesy Pasta Comfort Classic

Mixing childhood nostalgia with hearty comfort, this beefaroni recipe brings back memories of quick family dinners.

Pasta shells cradle rich meat sauce in a delightful embrace.

Kraft inspired meals pale compared to this homemade version.

Simple ingredients create magic in your kitchen.

Robust flavors dance across your palate with each bite.

Weeknight cooking just got seriously delicious.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this classic comfort dish.

Beefaroni That’s Cheesy, Classic, and Kid-Approved

• Blast Back to Childhood: Recreate a nostalgic comfort food that transports you to warm family dinners with zero complicated steps.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Whip up this hearty meal in under an hour, perfect for busy parents needing a fast, delicious dinner solution that satisfies hungry family members.
• Cheesy Crowd-Pleaser: Featuring simple ingredients and maximum flavor, this one-dish wonder appeals to kids and adults alike, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilize affordable pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and cheese to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising taste.

Classic Beefaroni – Let’s Start with These

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding sauce and cheese. Whole wheat options available for added nutrition.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent pasta from sticking together. Unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that gives the dish its meaty texture. Lean ground beef works best to reduce excess fat.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy flavor to the casserole. Look for low-sodium varieties for better health control.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully. Shredded cheese melts more evenly and creates a smoother topping.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the dish. Kosher or sea salt recommended for better taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the flavor. Freshly ground pepper provides more intense taste.

Beefaroni Cheesy Comfort Cooking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some delightful cooking magic.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil.

Drop in elbow macaroni and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.

Once done, drain and toss with butter for extra yumminess.

Step 3: Sizzle The Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan and cook until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Mix All The Delicious Goodness

• Buttery cooked macaroni
• Perfectly browned beef
• Rich tomato sauce
• Shredded Cheddar cheese

Sprinkle in some salt and black pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden And Bubbly

Top the mixture with a final sprinkle of Cheddar cheese.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling with deliciousness.

Smart Tricks for Making Beefaroni

• Shake the colander thoroughly to remove excess water, ensuring your pasta doesn't become soggy and maintains a great texture.
• When browning beef, use a paper towel to blot away extra grease, creating a leaner and healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, allowing the cheese to set and create a more cohesive, creamy consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and make the dish your own.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for an easy weeknight meal solution.

Beefaroni Stored Properly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Store portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 3 months, ensuring you remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Pairing Picks for Beefaroni

• Pair Wine with Robust Flavor: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich beef and cheese profile.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hearty amber ale or brown ale with malty undertones that match the comfort food's warmth and depth.
• Fresh Side Salad Boost: Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve Bright Vegetable Sides: Roast colorful vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add nutritional balance and vibrant flavors.

Beefaroni Classic Types

• Gluten-Free Beefaroni: Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a meat-free version that maintains the protein content.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the classic flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Version: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning to give the dish a zesty southwestern kick.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) is ideal. It provides good flavor without too much grease, ensuring your Beefaroni isn’t overly fatty.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can substitute with shells, rotini, or penne. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the sauce and beef well.

• How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?

Involve children in safe cooking tasks like mixing ingredients or sprinkling cheese. Most kids love the cheesy, meaty texture of Beefaroni.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Beefaroni uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, making it a cost-effective meal for families.

Beefaroni Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Beefaroni brings nostalgic comfort straight from childhood memories, blending hearty ground beef with tangy tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Cheese melts into each bite, creating a warm embrace that connects generations through simple, satisfying home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Pasta:

• 1 16-ounce (454 grams) package uncooked elbow macaroni

Dairy and Sauce:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 15-ounce (425 grams) cans tomato sauce

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to a toasty 350°F, preparing a warm environment for this classic comfort dish.
2. Boil a generous pot of water, introducing a pinch of salt. Submerge elbow macaroni and let it dance until tender, roughly 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain and lovingly coat with melted butter.
3. Heat a robust skillet over medium-high flames. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into delicate fragments. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown landscape, then carefully drain any lingering fat.
4. Select a spacious casserole dish as your culinary canvas. Layer the buttered macaroni, crumbled beef, zesty tomato sauce, and a generous blanket of Cheddar cheese. Whisper in salt and black pepper, allowing the seasonings to mingle and enhance the flavors.
5. Crown the dish with a final sprinkle of Cheddar, creating a golden, cheesy summit. Slide the casserole into the waiting oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, watching as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, amber masterpiece.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to create a lighter, healthier version of this classic dish.
• Enhance nutritional value by mixing in diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the combining step.
• Use whole wheat pasta to boost fiber content and create a more nutritious meal for health-conscious eaters.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, parmesan, or a sharp cheddar to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg