Homemade Beefaroni is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture tender pasta enveloped in a rich, meaty tomato sauce that dances with spices, all while bubbling away in your kitchen like it’s auditioning for a starring role in your family’s dinner routine. cozy dinner recipes The aroma wafts through the air, coaxing you to grab a spoon and dive right in—who could resist?
Let’s be honest; who doesn’t have fond memories of slurping up Beefaroni as a kid? Whether it was plopped down on your TV tray during Saturday morning cartoons or served at your best friend’s birthday party, this dish has an uncanny ability to evoke nostalgia. quick side dish options It’s not just food; it’s comfort wrapped in cheesy goodness and topped with that irresistible “more, please” factor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Beefaroni is super easy to whip up, making dinner stress-free
- The rich flavors and creamy texture create an unforgettable dining experience
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching dish for any table
- Perfect for casual family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort
I once made Homemade Beefaroni for a potluck and watched as my friends’ eyes lit up with delight. crispy fritter recipes They practically fought over the last scoop!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Elbow Macaroni: About 2 cups of elbow macaroni will do nicely; feel free to use whole grain for added nutrition.
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Ground Beef: One pound is perfect; choose lean beef to keep things flavorful without too much grease.
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Onion: One medium onion adds sweetness; dice it finely for even cooking.
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Garlic Cloves: Use 2-3 minced cloves for that aromatic punch everyone loves.
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Canned Tomato Sauce: A 15-ounce can works wonders here; opt for one with no added sugar for better taste.
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Diced Tomatoes: A 14-ounce can brings texture; choose those packed in juice or puree.
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Italian Seasoning: About 1 tablespoon balances the flavors beautifully; homemade blends are fantastic if you have them!
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Cheddar Cheese: A cup of shredded cheese creates that ooey-gooey goodness—don’t skimp!
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Sour Cream: Add ½ cup for creaminess; you can also use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative.
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Salt and Pepper: To taste; these two are your best friends when seasoning!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
Sauté the Beef and Aromatics : In a large skillet over medium heat, brown one pound of ground beef along with one diced onion and 2-3 minced garlic cloves until the meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent.
Add the Sauces : Stir in one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce and one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Mix well until combined and allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
Season Up : Sprinkle in about one tablespoon of Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until fragrant, which should take about another minute or so.
Combine Everything : Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet with the meat sauce mixture. Add in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup sour cream while mixing thoroughly until everything is well coated.
Serve Hot : Once everything is combined and heated through, serve immediately while still hot! Enjoy every cheesy bite, preferably while wearing comfy pants.
With each step, you’re creating not just a meal but a delightful experience that transports you back to simpler times filled with laughter and love around the dinner table. So roll up your sleeves, put on some funky music, and let’s get cooking!
You Must Know
- Homemade Beefaroni is a nostalgic comfort food that provides flavor and satisfaction
- This dish is not only delicious but also allows you to customize according to your taste preferences
- The enticing aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting at the dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make Homemade Beefaroni efficiently, brown the ground beef first, then cook the pasta while preparing the tomato sauce, allowing everything to come together harmoniously. refreshing pasta salads.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out ground beef for turkey or adding veggies like bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost and vibrant colors in Homemade Beefaroni. For more inspiration, check out this Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimum flavor, season the beef well during browning to elevate the overall taste profile
- Using low-sodium broth can balance flavors if you’re watching salt intake
- Opt for whole wheat pasta for added fiber without sacrificing taste or texture
Cooking Homemade Beefaroni takes me back to my childhood when my mom would whip it up after long school days, filling our home with its delicious aroma and making every meal feel special.
FAQ
Can I make Homemade Beefaroni ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge until serving.
What kind of pasta works best for Homemade Beefaroni?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any small pasta shape will work wonderfully.
Can I freeze leftover Homemade Beefaroni?
Absolutely! It freezes well; just remember to use an airtight container for storage.
Homemade Beefaroni
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Homemade Beefaroni is a nostalgic dish that combines tender elbow macaroni with a savory, meaty tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners, evoking warm memories of childhood while satisfying your cravings for cheesy goodness. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, Homemade Beefaroni is easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 oz canned tomato sauce
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic until cooked through and onions are translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, mixing well. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until well mixed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: - For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. - Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later use.