Description
Beefaroni is a quick and delicious one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights and loved by kids and adults alike. Customize it with your favorite cheeses or seasonings for an extra special touch.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. - Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Season the Mixture:
Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to coat the beef. - Add Pasta and Sauce:
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and water (or beef broth). Stir to combine. - Simmer:
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked to your liking. - Add Cheese (Optional):
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed. - Serve:
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or penne.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- To make this dish lighter, use ground turkey instead of beef and low-sodium tomato products.