Easy Homemade Beefaroni

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When you think of comfort food that wraps you in nostalgia and warmth, Easy Homemade Beefaroni tops the list. This dish is a throwback to simpler times, combining tender pasta and savory beef in a rich, tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort.

What makes this beefaroni extra special is the way the sauce clings to every groove of the pasta, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s satisfying, hearty, and just as kid-friendly as it is adult-approved. And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients to bring this family favorite to life.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Beefaroni?

While traditional beefaroni is usually made with elbow macaroni, you’re not limited to just one shape. Small tube-shaped pasta like ditalini or gomiti rigati (as pictured) are great at catching bits of meat and sauce. Their ridges help the rich tomato and beef mixture cling with every spoonful. Choose a pasta shape that can hold up well to saucy dishes and retains some chew after cooking.

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Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Beefaroni

• Ground Beef – This is the heart of the dish. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and a richer beefy flavor.
• Onion – Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth, building the foundation of the sauce.
• Garlic – Just a few cloves are enough to infuse the beef and sauce with aromatic flavor.
• Tomato Sauce – A smooth base that pulls everything together. Opt for one with minimal added sugar.
• Tomato Paste – Concentrated richness and umami, helping the sauce thicken and deepen in flavor.
• Beef Broth – Enhances the savory taste and gives the sauce a luscious, almost gravy-like body.
• Pasta (elbow or shell) – Small pasta shapes are ideal to soak up all the savory sauce.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for balancing flavors.
• Parsley (optional) – A sprinkle of chopped parsley gives a fresh finish that brightens the plate.

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How To Make the Easy Homemade Beefaroni

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, add chopped onion and minced garlic directly into the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor. Then pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Mix thoroughly to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently bubble for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil your pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain but do not rinse the pasta. You want the starches to help the sauce cling.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the beef and sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated and integrated with the beef mixture. Let it sit on low heat for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavor. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, herby finish.

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Serving and Storing Your Easy Homemade Beefaroni

Serve your beefaroni hot, straight from the skillet into bowls, optionally garnished with a touch of fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

To store leftovers, let the beefaroni cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Beefaroni is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What other meats can I use?

Ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes for beef. You can also mix in Italian sausage for a spicier kick.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for best flavor integration.

How do I avoid mushy pasta?

Make sure to cook your pasta al dente and avoid over-mixing it with the sauce. If freezing, consider undercooking the pasta slightly to preserve texture upon reheating.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes! The simple, familiar flavors make this a hit with kids. You can also blend the sauce smooth if your little ones are picky about texture.

What if I want it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while cooking. You can also use spicy tomato sauce or mix in chopped jalapeños for a bolder bite.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, which offers a similar meaty richness with a fun twist on pasta shape. Or try the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a creamy and savory take on weeknight dinners.

For a casserole spin, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is ultra-indulgent and oven-ready. The One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta offers a bolder, steakhouse-style flavor in a single pan.

And if you’re craving something with extra kick, the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta might just become your new go-to.

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you swap in a different meat? Did your kids ask for seconds? Leave a comment below and let me know how you made it your own.

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