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Beefaroni

Beefaroni
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Beefaroni is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish combining tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and flavorful tomato sauce topped with melted cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to suit any taste or dietary need, making it a beloved family-friendly and budget-conscious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, etc.)
  • 1–1½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or blend)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • ½ cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach (for vegetable boost)
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce (to add spice)
  • Substitute ground turkey for beef (for leaner option)
  • 2 oz cream cheese or ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for creamier sauce)
  • Gluten-free elbow macaroni (for gluten-free version)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the dish light.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant, creating a flavorful base.
  3. Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer gently for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Cook the Pasta: In a separate large pot, boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
  5. Combine and Melt Cheese: Add cooked pasta directly into the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Stir in shredded cheese and allow it to melt evenly, creating a creamy finish. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
  • Season well with salt and Italian herbs to enhance the dish.
  • Cooking pasta al dente helps it hold texture when mixed with sauce.
  • Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes off heat to thicken before serving.
  • Use a wide skillet to avoid crowding and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: beefaroni, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipes, kid-friendly, cheesy pasta, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/beefaroni/