This beefaroni recipe is a nostalgic dish that brings back childhood memories of cozy dinners with the family. Packed with ground beef, tender pasta, and a savory tomato sauce, this meal is perfect for a weeknight when you need something quick and comforting. Plus, it's incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe when you're short on time but craving a hearty dish.
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Why This Beefaroni Recipe Is A Winner
I grew up eating beefaroni, and it’s still one of those meals that instantly makes me feel at home. The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so special—there’s no need for fancy ingredients, but it delivers flavor every time. I remember my mom making a big batch for us, and we’d have it as leftovers for days (if we could resist eating it all in one sitting)!
Now, as an adult, I love making beefaroni for my family. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults can enjoy, and it's so much better than the Hamburger Helper you can get at the grocery store.
One thing I’ve learned is that you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes. Sometimes, I throw in extra veggies, or I switch up the cheese depending on what I have on hand. But no matter what, it always turns out delicious!
Ingredients for Beefaroni
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting beefaroni recipe:
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 4 cups beef stock
- 4 cups water
- 1 lb straight-cut macaroni
- 1 cup Romano cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Beefaroni
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot and add the ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it into small chunks, until no pink remains. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add the remaining olive oil to the pot and sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Stock
Add the tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the beef stock and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once the mixture comes to a boil, add the macaroni and browned beef. Stir well and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve
Stir in the Romano cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve hot, garnished with more cheese if desired.
Expert Tips For Making The Best Beefaroni
- Brown the Beef Well: Let the beef sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes before breaking it up. This will give it a nice brown crust that adds a deeper flavor to the dish.
- Blend the Sauce: Blending the tomato paste, veggies, and beef stock into a smooth sauce gives the dish a rich, velvety texture.
- Stir the Pasta: Stir the noodles frequently to prevent sticking once they’re in the pot.
- Cheese Choice: Romano adds a sharp, salty flavor, but you can substitute Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- Let it Rest: Let the beefaroni sit for a few minutes after cooking so the sauce thickens and coats the noodles perfectly.
How to Store Leftover Beefaroni
Store leftover beefaroni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making it an excellent dish for meal prep.
How to Reheat Beefaroni
Reheat beefaroni on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave it in intervals, stirring between each session until heated through.
FAQ's About This Beefaroni Recipe
Can I freeze beefaroni?
Yes, beefaroni freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrition.
What’s a good cheese substitute?
If you don’t have Romano cheese, Parmesan or even cheddar will work just fine.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your beef stock and tomato paste are gluten-free.
My Final Thoughts On This Beefaroni Recipe
Beefaroni is one of those meals that delivers comfort with every bite. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you're cooking for the family or meal prepping, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
More Recipes to Try Next
Homemade Beefaroni Recipe That's An All-Time Family Favorite
This beefaroni recipe is a nostalgic dish that brings back childhood memories of cozy dinners with the family. Packed with ground beef, tender pasta, and a savory tomato sauce, this meal is perfect for a weeknight when you need something quick and comforting. Plus, it's incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe when you're short on time but craving a hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 4 cups beef stock
- 4 cups water
- 1 lb straight cut macaroni
- 1 cup Romano cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef in small chunks. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to allow browning, then stir and break the beef into fine pieces.
2. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and most of the liquid has evaporated.
3. Transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside, making sure to leave the flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
4. Return the pot to medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. Stir in the garlic along with another ¼ teaspoon of salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Next, add the tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it starts to brown and stick to the pot.
7. Pour in the beef stock and water, stirring well to combine, ensuring that you scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the flavor.
8. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture in the pot until it becomes completely smooth and watery. Then, bring the mixture to a boil.
9. Once boiling, add the noodles and the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Stir immediately to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.
10. After the noodles are cooked, stir in the cheese until it's fully melted and incorporated. Taste the dish, and season with salt and pepper, adding about ½ teaspoon of each (adjust to your preference).
11. You can serve this beefy pasta dish family-style or plated individually. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 351Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 492mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 25g
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