If nostalgia could be served by the spoonful, it would taste just like Homemade Beefaroni. This beloved classic brings together tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce in a way that’s pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re craving a quick, family-friendly dinner or looking for a way to relive the flavors of your childhood, Homemade Beefaroni is your ticket to a simple yet satisfying meal that never goes out of style.

Homemade Beefaroni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s magic in simplicity, and this ingredient list proves it. Every component pulls its own weight, creating the hearty, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors that make Homemade Beefaroni irresistible.

Olive oil: Adds a hint of fruity richness and helps brown the beef perfectly.
Ground beef: The star of the show, bringing juicy flavor and satisfying protein.
Onion: Aromatic and subtly sweet, this sets a strong savory base for the sauce.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves punch up the flavor and warmth.
Italian seasoning: Gives the sauce its beloved herby, classic flavor profile.
Salt: Essential for drawing out all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
Tomato sauce: Forms the luscious body of the sauce you want in every bite.
Tomato paste: Concentrates that tomato goodness for a richer, thicker sauce.
Beef broth: Deepens the meaty flavor while keeping everything nice and saucy.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a unique umami boost, balancing sweetness and tang.
Elbow macaroni (uncooked): The pasta soaks up all those incredible flavors as it cooks right in the skillet.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish, making it creamy, gooey, and absolutely craveable.

How to Make Homemade Beefaroni

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned, using your spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. This takes about 5 to 6 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left. For a lighter dish, feel free to drain any excess grease before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings

Once your beef is browned, sprinkle in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir these in and let them soften and become fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Now’s the time to add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring everything to create a foundation bursting with savory flavor.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by the tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it all a good stir so the tomato paste dissolves and everything is well combined. The beef broth and Worcestershire work together to amplify the meaty notes and add an extra savory punch that makes Homemade Beefaroni taste like it simmered for hours.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. This is where the magic happens: as the pasta cooks, it absorbs all that incredible sauce, turning every noodle into a little flavor sponge. Cover your skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let everything simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check that the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

With the pasta perfectly tender and the sauce slightly thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until every bit of cheese has melted, creating a creamy, gooey finish. Serve your Homemade Beefaroni warm, with the aroma filling your kitchen and a smile on your face.

How to Serve Homemade Beefaroni

Garnishes

Fresh finishes make all the difference! Scatter a handful of finely chopped parsley or a dusting of extra cheddar cheese right before serving. Some red pepper flakes or a crack of black pepper also add a beautiful, subtle heat to balance the creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

Homemade Beefaroni is a meal all on its own, but it loves good company. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to add freshness and texture. For a cozy, homestyle touch, try roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Homemade Beefaroni in colorful bowls for a playful, nostalgic presentation. For parties or potlucks, try baking individual portions in ramekins, or stuff leftovers into sweet bell peppers and bake for a fun twist. Kids love it in a thermos for an extra-special school lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Homemade Beefaroni cool to room temperature, then pack it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making weekday lunches or quick dinners delightfully easy.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for busy nights, Homemade Beefaroni freezes beautifully. Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To revive that gooey, just-made taste, reheat Homemade Beefaroni gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it looks dry. If you’re using a microwave, cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until hot all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for Homemade Beefaroni, shells, rotini, or penne will happily soak up all the saucy goodness. Just keep an eye on cook time, as different shapes may need a minute more or less.

Is Homemade Beefaroni spicy?

Not at all—unless you want it to be! The base recipe is mild and kid-friendly. If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of Homemade Beefaroni. You may want to use a splash more olive oil to keep everything juicy, as these meats tend to be leaner than beef.

Can I sneak in vegetables?

Of course! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even finely chopped spinach can be stirred in with the onions and garlic. It’s a wonderful way to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Is this a freezer-friendly dish?

Homemade Beefaroni is a dream for your freezer. Cool the finished dish, portion it out, and freeze up to three months. Just reheat as needed for an easy, comforting meal in minutes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Homemade Beefaroni enough for anyone who craves satisfying, nostalgic comfort food without any fuss. Its combination of flavors and textures always wins smiles at my table, and I bet it will at yours, too. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this classic, cozy dish again and again!

Homemade Beefaroni Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful recipe for Homemade Beefaroni that combines ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato and cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Pasta:

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add Aromatics: Cook onion and garlic until softened. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Make the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer.
Cook the Pasta: Stir in uncooked macaroni, cover, and cook until tender.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until creamy. Serve hot.