Quick & Flavorful Classic Beefaroni Recipe for Busy Families

Beefaroni stands as a nostalgic comfort food that bridges childhood memories with hearty home cooking.

Families have treasured this simple, satisfying pasta dish for generations, creating warm connections around dinner tables.

Tender macaroni noodles combined with rich, seasoned ground beef create a meal that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

The robust flavors blend perfectly, offering a delightful balance between meaty protein and soft pasta textures.

Affordable ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe a go-to option for busy households seeking quick, delicious meals.

Home cooks appreciate how versatile and customizable this classic dish can be, allowing for personal touches and creative variations.

Each bite brings a sense of comfort and satisfaction that transcends typical weeknight dinners.

What to Serve with Classic Beefaroni

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel complements the rich beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the dish's heartiness with its tannic structure and providing a luxurious dining experience.
• Crisp Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the beefaroni's heaviness, adding freshness and a zesty counterpoint to the warm, cheesy pasta.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Serve crusty, buttery garlic bread alongside the beefaroni to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the overall meal's enjoyment.
• Cool Craft Beer Match: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to refresh the palate, with its carbonation and malty notes perfectly matching the dish's robust and comforting profile.

Spinoffs of the Classic Beefaroni Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo and add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Veggie Protein Power: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils, incorporating extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to boost nutrition.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Use ground lamb instead of beef, mix in crumbled feta cheese, and season with oregano, mint, and a touch of cinnamon for a Greek-style casserole.
• Creamy Chicken Comfort: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, add cream cheese to the sauce, and top with sharp cheddar for a creamy, comforting alternative.

Why Classic Beefaroni Is a Family Favorite

• Comfort Food Champion: This classic beefaroni delivers pure nostalgia with its hearty combination of tender pasta, rich beef, and melted cheese that wraps you in warmth like a delicious culinary hug.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with this simple recipe that transitions smoothly from stovetop to oven, minimizing dishes and maximizing flavor with minimal effort.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the crowd-pleasing blend of familiar ingredients, creating a satisfying meal that's both nutritious and incredibly tasty without complicated techniques or exotic components.
• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Ready in under an hour, this beefaroni provides a speedy solution for busy families craving a homemade dinner that feels like a comforting restaurant-quality experience without extensive preparation.

Ingredients Checklist for Beefaroni

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Classic protein base that provides rich meaty flavor and substantial texture for the casserole.

• Elbow Macaroni: Traditional short pasta that holds sauce perfectly and creates comforting texture.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating golden bubbly topping with mild, creamy flavor.

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Layered tomato ingredients that build deep, complex sauce base with rich, tangy profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Essential flavor builders that add depth and savory undertones to the dish.

• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that provide traditional, fragrant Mediterranean seasoning.

Finishing and Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance overall dish flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Light, fresh herb that adds bright color and subtle herbal note to finished dish.

Cooking Steps for Classic Beefaroni

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Boil elbow macaroni following package instructions until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces using a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until onions become soft and translucent.

Step 5: Create The Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Beef

Mix the cooked macaroni into the beef and sauce, stirring until well combined.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Step 8: Bake The Dish

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool briefly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and savor every bite!

Little Tips That Go a Long Way

• Perfectly Brown Beef: Use a cast-iron skillet for even, deep browning and maximum flavor development.
• Prevent Mushy Pasta: Cook macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the sauce and oven.
• Enhance Tomato Depth: Add a pinch of sugar to balance the tomato acidity and create a richer sauce.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let the baked dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld.
• Layer Flavor Boost: Sauté onions and garlic in a touch of olive oil before adding to the beef for more intense aromatics.

How to Handle Leftovers Like a Chef

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Beefaroni in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place Beefaroni in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to maintain moisture.
• Microwave Method: Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the meal is steaming hot throughout.

Classic Beefaroni Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Nostalgic comfort meets Italian-American charm in this Classic Beefaroni, combining hearty ground beef and tender pasta with a rich, zesty tomato sauce. Homemade goodness brings childhood memories right to your dinner table, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef

Pasta:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) elbow macaroni

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until perfectly tender, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and set aside in a separate bowl.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles as it browns and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
4. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aromatics.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, creating a robust sauce base. Sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the herbs to meld and intensify the flavor profile.
6. Let the sauce simmer gently for 6-8 minutes, allowing the ingredients to marry and develop a deep, harmonious taste.
7. Combine the cooked macaroni with the beef and sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the savory mixture.
8. Transfer the entire mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
9. Generously scatter shredded mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a blanket of melty, golden goodness.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-26 minutes, until the cheese becomes bubbly, slightly golden, and irresistibly appetizing.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of brightness.

Notes

• Quick weeknight meal that combines the comfort of pasta with hearty ground beef in a zesty tomato sauce.
• Easily customizable dish that allows substitution of ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives for varied dietary preferences.
• Cheese creates a golden, bubbly topping that transforms this classic recipe from simple to spectacular.
• Simmering sauce concentrates flavors and helps develop a rich, deep taste profile that makes every bite delicious.
• Prep and cooking time is under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families wanting a satisfying home-cooked meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg