Beefaroni: The Hearty and Meaty Pasta

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Savor the Richness of Homemade Beefaroni: A Hearty and Meaty Pasta Feast!

Dive into the world of Beefaroni, a hearty and meaty pasta dish full of amazing Italian flavors.

This homemade Beefaroni is not just an easy dinner recipe but a comforting dish that promises to be a hit with the whole family.

This Beefaroni recipe captures the essence of a perfect weekday family dinner, combining the convenience of a 30-minute dinner with the deliciousness of macaroni with ground beef.

Its simplicity and flavor make it an ideal choice for a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to please.

Close-up image of Beefaroni, highlighting the glossy tomato sauce coating the macaroni and ground beef, with specks of Italian seasoning visible, served in a deep dish with a fork on the side, on a simple kitchen tablecloth.

Why Homemade Beefaroni is a Must-Try

  • A Family Favorite: Homemade Beefaroni, a perfect example of comfort food, is a kid-friendly meal that makes for a delightful family dinner.
  • Full of Italian Flavors: Infused with rich Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion, this dish brings a burst of authentic taste to your table.
  • Budget-Friendly: As a budget meal, Beefaroni is both economical and satisfying, making it a smart choice for a hearty meal.
  • Ideal for Busy Weeknights: Known for being a quick and easy recipe, it’s a 30-minute meal that’s perfect for a hectic weekday family dinner.
A top view photo of a bowl of Beefaroni, showing a generous serving with evenly mixed macaroni and ground beef in a thick, savory tomato sauce, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Ingredients for Beefaroni

(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)

  • Macaroni: The classic pasta choice for Beefaroni, providing a firm and satisfying base.
  • Ground Beef: Essential for a meaty and rich texture; it’s the heart of this hearty dish.
  • Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor, finely chopped for even distribution.
  • Garlic: Both minced and in powder form, it infuses the dish with its unmistakable aroma and taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil, bringing the quintessential Italian flair to the dish.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Basic but crucial seasonings for enhancing all the other flavors.
  • Tomato Sauce: Provides the tangy and robust sauce base, enveloping the pasta and meat in rich flavor.
A top view image of a kitchen countertop with all the ingredients for Beefaroni neatly arranged: uncooked macaroni, raw ground beef, fresh onions and garlic, jars of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a can of tomato sauce. The layout presents a ready-to-cook scenario, emphasizing the simplicity and wholesomeness of the Beefaroni recipe ingredients.

Beefaroni Recipe Instructions

Beefaroni Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cooking Pasta: Prepare macaroni according to package instructions.
  2. Preparing Meat Sauce: Sauté ground beef, onion, and garlic. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add tomato sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes
  3. Combining: Mix cooked macaroni with the meat sauce.
  4. Serving: Plate up this pasta with meat sauce, a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.
A rustic image showcasing a cast iron skillet filled with freshly cooked Beefaroni.

Tips for the Best Beefaroni Experience

  • Browning the Ground Beef: For a hearty and flavorful Beefaroni, ensure the ground beef is well-browned. If it’s not browning sufficiently, increase the heat to enhance the dish’s meaty taste.
  • Fresh Garlic Use: Fresh garlic is key to Beefaroni’s full Italian flavors. Always use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced varieties to add an authentic taste.
  • Salting Pasta Water: When cooking macaroni, generously salt the water. This step seasons the pasta itself, ensuring every bite of your Beefaroni is flavorful.
Image of a white bowl filled with homemade Beefaroni, featuring tender macaroni and savory ground beef enveloped in a rich, tomato-based sauce, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Beefaroni

Storing Leftover Beefaroni:

  • To keep your Beefaroni fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3-4 days.
  • For longer storage, Beefaroni can be frozen. Freeze it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When stored this way, it can last for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Beefaroni:

  • In the Microwave: For a quick and easy reheating method, use the microwave. Place the desired amount of Beefaroni in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through the heating time.
  • On the Stove: For the best texture and flavor, reheat Beefaroni on the stove. Transfer it to a pan and reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or additional tomato sauce to bring back its moisture and richness.
freshly cooked macaroni with ground beef.

What to Serve with Beefaroni

Coleslaw

A tangy coleslaw can lighten up the meal with its crisp texture and refreshing taste.

Bowl of fresh Classic Coleslaw with red and green cabbage, shredded carrots, and creamy dressing on white background, perfect for summer BBQs and picnics.

Greek Salad

Serving Greek salad alongside Beefaroni is a fantastic choice.

The crispness and freshness of the salad balance the hearty richness of the pasta dish.

A colorful Greek Salad displayed in a bowl, featuring diced cucumbers, halved grape tomatoes, sliced red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, garnished with fresh herbs and drizzled with olive oil dressing.

Cornbread

Cornbread is an excellent accompaniment to Beefaroni.

The sweet, buttery flavor of the cornbread complements the rich, meaty taste of the pasta dish.

Cornbread in a cast iron skillet. The best homemade cornbread recipe.

FAQ About Macaroni and Ground Beef

Can I make Beefaroni ahead of time for a family gathering?

Absolutely! Beefaroni is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it as usual, let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. It’s a perfect weekday family dinner solution and ideal for gatherings.

Can Beefaroni be frozen for later use?

Yes, Beefaroni can be frozen successfully. To freeze, let the dish cool to room temperature, then portion it into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, frozen Beefaroni can last for up to 2-3 months.

Image of a hearty serving of Beefaroni in a white bowl, showcasing the rich, meaty sauce with ground beef, macaroni pasta, and hints of herbs, garnished with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top. The dish is set on a rustic wooden table, indicating a home-cooked, comforting meal.
Yield: 6 servings

Beefaroni

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy a delicious bowl of homemade Beefaroni, where tender macaroni pairs perfectly with savory ground beef in a rich tomato sauce. Quick to prepare, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any table.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 28 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cooking Pasta: Prepare macaroni according to package instructions.
  2. Preparing Meat Sauce: Sauté ground beef, onion, and garlic. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add tomato sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes
  3. Combining: Mix cooked macaroni with the meat sauce.
  4. Serving: Plate up this pasta with meat sauce, a dish that's sure to become a household favorite.

Notes

Browning the Ground Beef: For a hearty and flavorful Beefaroni, ensure the ground beef is well-browned. If it's not browning sufficiently, increase the heat to enhance the dish's meaty taste.

Fresh Garlic Use: Fresh garlic is key to Beefaroni's full Italian flavors. Always use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced varieties to add an authentic taste.

Salting Pasta Water: When cooking macaroni, generously salt the water. This step seasons the pasta itself, ensuring every bite of your Beefaroni is flavorful.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 277Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 67mgSodium 1097mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 26g

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