Description

If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, look no further than this Homemade Beefaroni recipe. With its blend of seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and gooey melted cheese, this classic dish is perfect for family dinners or a casual get-together.

Ingredients

For the Beefaroni:

1 lb ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Elbow Macaroni
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.

4. Prepare the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

6. Bake the Beefaroni
Transfer the beefaroni mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve
Serve the homemade beefaroni hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Prep Time and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: Makes about 6 servings

Notes

Serving Tips:

Garnishing: Garnish your beefaroni with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and added flavor. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
Accompaniments: Serve the beefaroni with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Portion Control: For a more formal presentation, serve the beefaroni in individual ramekins or baking dishes. This makes for a great presentation and helps with portion control.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftover beefaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing: To freeze, let the beefaroni cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven. For the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the top if desired.
Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent the beefaroni from becoming too dry when reheating, you can add a splash of milk or beef broth to the dish before heating. This will help maintain the creamy texture.