Homemade Beefaroni

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Looking for a quick and budget-friendly dinner idea that pleases the entire family? This Classic Homemade Beefaroni is a cheesy, comforting pasta bake packed with seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich tomato sauce. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner recipe made with pantry staples and ready in under an hour. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this kid-friendly ground beef casserole is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• High-protein dinner option

• Made with affordable, simple ingredients

• Perfect for meal prep or freezer meals

• Cheesy and hearty, kid-approved comfort food

Ingredients Breakdown

• Ground Beef (1 lb): The hearty base of this dish, providing rich flavor and satisfying protein.

• Elbow Macaroni (2 cups): A classic pasta choice for soaking up all the saucy goodness.

• Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed with the beef.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with bold, savory flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Brings texture and natural tomato flavor to the sauce.

• Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): Smooth and tangy, it ties the sauce together.

• Tomato Paste (1 tbsp): Concentrated tomato richness that enhances depth and color.

• Dried Oregano (1 tsp) & Basil (1 tsp): Classic Italian herbs for that familiar, comforting flavor.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the ingredients.

• Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that makes this dish irresistible.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use lean ground beef (90/10) to avoid excess grease.

• Add extra flavor with a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning.

• Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken.

Variations and Customizations:

• Make it creamy: Add ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce.

• Sneak in veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

• Spicy twist: Use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

• Cheese lovers: Mix in cheddar or provolone with the mozzarella.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Serve with:

  • Garlic bread or dinner rolls

  • A crisp green salad with Italian dressing

  • Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables

• Drink pairings:

  • Iced tea, lemonade, or a light  like Pinot Noir

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze fully baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap.

• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.

Popular Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use different pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, shells, or rotini all work well.

Can I substitute the beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great lean options.

Homemade Beefaroni

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

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Description

The ultimate comfort food! Tender pasta, savory beef, and melty cheese baked to bubbly perfection—just like the classic, but even better.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil a pot of salted water.

• Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).

• Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.

• Break apart the meat and drain excess grease.

3. Build the Sauce

• Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.

• Sauté until onions are soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes).

• Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

• Simmer for 5–7 minutes until flavors meld.

4. Combine and Assemble

• Stir the cooked macaroni into the beef and tomato mixture.

• Mix until evenly coated.

5. Bake the Casserole

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

• Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• This beefaroni recipe is freezer-friendly—perfect for batch cooking.

• Adjust the seasonings to match your taste or add Italian sausage for extra flavor.

• Great for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or school lunch leftovers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

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