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Beefaroni

Beefaroni
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Beefaroni is a quick and easy comfort food combining tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce to create a hearty, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights. Customizable and budget-friendly, this classic dish offers a warm, satisfying taste of home.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spicy variation)
  • Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach (for veggie boost)
  • Parmesan or pepper jack cheese (for cheesy variations)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even texture. Drain excess fat as needed.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring often to prevent burning.
  4. Add Tomato Sauce and Seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors, and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to develop richness.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the skillet with the sauce and beef. Stir thoroughly so every piece of pasta is coated in the flavorful mixture.
  6. Melt Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes. This step adds a layer of creamy indulgence to your Beefaroni.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and onion for noticeable flavor over powders or pre-minced versions.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente noodles hold their shape better when mixed with sauce.
  • Drain fat from browned beef for a lighter, cleaner taste without sacrificing flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce well to meld flavors for a deeper, more satisfying dish.
  • Add cheese last to keep it creamy and prevent separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Beefaroni, comfort food, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, family meal, tomato sauce pasta

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