Creamy, comforting, and wildly satisfying — Beefaroni hits all the cozy-dinner notes with minimal fuss. This simple skillet dinner brings together tender elbow macaroni, savory browned beef, and a rich tomato sauce finished with gooey melted cheese for a soul-soothing meal the whole family will ask for again. Fun fact: many home cooks keep a Beefaroni recipe in heavy rotation because it reheats beautifully and stretches to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
If you love easy weeknight dinners, this Beefaroni should be on your short list. It’s quick to prepare, uses pantry staples, and is perfect for picky eaters and hungry teens. For a slightly different comfort-pasta vibe, try my baked macaroni and cheese recipe next — but if you want something meatier and saucier tonight, this is the recipe you’ll reach for. I even have a shorter guide to a similar recipe available if you want a quick reference: home-style Beefaroni recipe. Get your apron on — dinner is about to get delicious.
What is Beefaroni?
What’s in a name — and why does Beefaroni sound like a pasta superhero? Is it the beef doing the heavy lifting or the macaroni stealing the spotlight? Beefaroni is essentially a charming mash-up of ground beef and macaroni in a tomato-forward sauce, often finished with cheese. Legend (and many family kitchens) suggests it earned its name because it’s the meaty macaroni that wins hearts — after all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Want a funny thought? Maybe a bowl of Beefaroni once convinced someone to marry the cook. Curious? Try it and see if it wins you over. You’ll want to make this again.
Why You’ll Love This
This Beefaroni is irresistible for three big reasons:
- Pure comfort food: The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a warm tomato sauce topped with melting cheese creates a craveable, homey flavor profile that’s both familiar and deeply satisfying.
- Great value: Making Beefaroni at home saves money compared to takeout. Ground beef stretches with pasta, so a little goes a long way — perfect for feeding families on a budget.
- Flavor boosters: Simple toppings like fresh basil, a sprinkle of garlic powder, or a handful of shredded parmesan transform it into something special without much effort.
If you enjoyed my sausage and peppers pasta, this Beefaroni delivers the same comfort but leans more on rich tomato flavor and cheesy finish. Ready to try it? Grab your pot and skillet and let’s get cooking: home-style Beefaroni recipe.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This Beefaroni is straightforward and fast: boil pasta, brown the beef, simmer with tomato sauce, combine, and top with melted cheese. The texture is pleasantly saucy and cheesy, and the dish comes together in about 25–30 minutes total. The standout element is the creamy, cheesy finish that binds the beef and pasta into pure comfort.
Approximate time: 10 minutes prep, 15–20 minutes cook
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni, dry
- 1 pound Ground Beef, 80/20 recommended, no need to pre-season
- 2 cups Tomato Sauce, canned or homemade, room temperature
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese, cheddar or a blend, shredded
Directions
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Use plenty of salted water so the macaroni is seasoned. Cook until al dente (usually about 1–2 minutes less than package time), then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef using a spoon or carefully tilt the pan and wipe with a paper towel. Return the beef to the skillet and add the tomato sauce. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes so flavors meld.
- Combine the cooked pasta and beef mixture in a large mixing bowl or return the pasta to the pot and pour the beef sauce over it. Stir well so every noodle is coated in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Top the combined mixture with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving. You can cover the skillet briefly to speed melting, or place under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes for a bubbly, golden top if your cookware allows.
What to Serve With
- Green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness (mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette work nicely).
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrients.
- A light, chilled beverage such as iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp lager to balance the hearty flavors.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Ingredient substitutions: Swap ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for beef to lighten the dish. Use marinara instead of plain tomato sauce for a herb-forward twist.
- Timing adjustments: Cook pasta al dente if you’ll reheat leftovers; fully soft if serving immediately to small children.
- Flavor boosts: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a spoonful of tomato paste while simmering to deepen flavor.
- Cheese choices: Sharp cheddar for tang, mozzarella for stretch, or a mix for best results.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t overdrain the pasta — a little starchy water helps the sauce cling. Don’t skip seasoning the pasta water and final dish for balanced flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Cool leftover Beefaroni to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat with a splash of water or milk to revive creaminess. Microwaves work too — cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between intervals. For a crisp top, place in a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese, and bake at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells, ditalini, or penne work well. Choose shapes that hold sauce.
How can I make this lighter or lower in fat?
Use lean ground turkey or 93% lean ground beef and reduce the cheese, or swap to a lighter cheese option. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
Is Beefaroni freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, onions, carrots, or mushrooms can be sautéed with the beef for added flavor and nutrients.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken and intensify flavor.
Conclusion
This Beefaroni is a dependable, budget-friendly dinner that combines ease, flavor, and family-friendly appeal — everything you want on a busy night. It’s forgiving for cooks of all skill levels and easy to adapt with whatever you have on hand. If you’d like a tried-and-true version from another trusted source to compare techniques or flavor profiles, check out this classic take on the dish at Beefaroni – The Cozy Cook. Give this recipe a try, share it with family, and enjoy the warm smiles that follow.
Beefaroni
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni, dry
Meat
- 1 pound Ground Beef, 80/20 No need to pre-season
Sauce
- 2 cups Tomato Sauce Canned or homemade, room temperature
Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese Cheddar or a blend, shredded
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Use plenty of salted water so the macaroni is seasoned. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef. Return the beef to the skillet and add the tomato sauce. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta and beef mixture in a large mixing bowl. Stir well so every noodle is coated in sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Top the mixture with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving. You can cover the skillet briefly to speed melting or place under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes.