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beefaroni recipe

Classic Beefaroni Recipe

This classic Beefaroni recipe is a hearty and comforting dish made with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste preferences.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: pasta
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Equipment

  • Large pot (for cooking pasta)
  • Large skillet (for making the sauce)
  • Baking dish (optional, for baking)
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Boil the elbow macaroni in a big pot according to package directions till al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
  2. While potatoes boil, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add ground beef, cooking until browned. Break it up with a spoon and stir in salt, pepper, oregano, basil and smoked paprika (if using).
Add The Sauce
  1. Add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add the cooked macaroni to the meat sauce. Toss all the ingredients together until the pasta is well-coated.
Top with Cheese
  1. If you are not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake (Optional)
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Beefaroni for 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
  1. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

beefaroni recipe
For a healthier twist, substitute whole-grain or gluten-free pasta.
Vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition.
You can replace cheddar with mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
beefaroni recipe