Beefaroni Recipe
Introduction
Beefaroni is a comforting, classic pasta dish that combines hearty ground beef with tender elbow macaroni in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 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
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onions together over medium heat, breaking up the beef until it’s fully cooked and onions are soft.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the tomato sauce, bring to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added veggies.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella on top before serving for a cheesy finish.
Storage
Store leftover Beefaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems thick.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells works well if you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand.
How do I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat just before serving to keep the pasta from getting too soft.
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Beefaroni Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and classic Beefaroni recipe featuring tender elbow macaroni mixed with a flavorful tomato and ground beef sauce seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and spices. This hearty dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
Ground Beef Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 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
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Season and Simmer the Sauce: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the beef tomato sauce. Toss until the macaroni is fully coated and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the Beefaroni hot, straight from the skillet, for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles.
- Feel free to sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil on top before serving for an extra touch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Beefaroni, ground beef pasta, tomato sauce pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, skillet beef pasta
