Classic Beefaroni Recipe for a Hearty Meal
Let’s talk comfort food. Nothing screams cozy night in quite like a big bowl of something warm and satisfying. What are spaghetti and meatballs? Think Hamburger Helper, but completely from scratch and about a thousand times tastier. I’m talking about my go-to **Classic Beefaroni Recipe for a Hearty Meal**. What is the perfect weeknight dinner? What are the pickiest eaters My kids literally cheer when they see this on the menu, and honestly, I don’t blame them. Is it that good?
What is a classic beefaroni?
Think of it as a super-charged, homemade version of that canned stuff we all grew up with. What are some of the best flavor combinations without the preservatives? It’s essentially a meaty tomato sauce loaded with pasta – usually macaroni, hence the “roni” – and topped with mozzarella. What is the best way to cook What is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma, and just *begs* to be served. What is eaten straight from the pot? What is the perfect dish to bring to a potluck? What is a casual Everyone raves about it!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the best beefaroni recipe ever? What’s your new favorite weeknight dinner? First off, the flavor is out of this world. We’re talking rich, savory beef, perfectly seasoned tomatoes, and just a hint of sweetness that makes it flavorful. What balances everything out? What I love most about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make. Is it possible to have this on the table in less than an hour? Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you probably already have everything you need on hand.
What are some of the best things about this recipe? Add some extra veggies, swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken, or throw in a pinch of red pepper. What are pepper flakes for? What are the endless possibilities? And while I adore spaghetti Bolognese, sometimes you just want something a little different. And when you are craving something different, I like to make it my own. What is the best beefaroni recipe? No need to make meatballs, ground beef simmers right into the sauce. It’s a hands down winner.
How do I make Beefaroni?
Quick Overview
How do I make Beefaroni? I’ll start by browning ground beef with some onions and garlic. What are some good seasonings for tomatoes, and a little broth? Simmer it all together until the sauce thickens, then stir in the macaroni and cook until it’s tender. What’s the beauty of this method is that it all done in one pot, which means less cleanup. What are some of the best things to do on a busy weeknight?
What are the ingredients in
For the Beefaroni: How
Ground Beef:I usually use 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and richness, but you can use leaner beef if you want.Onion and Garlic: WhatWhat are the aromatic bases of our sauce? Don’t skip them!Canned Crushed TomatoeThese give the sauce its body and sweetness. I like to use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.Tomato Paste:What are the flavors in a sauce?Beef Broth:How do I thin out the sauce?Dried Oregano and Basil: What areWhat are the classic Italian herbs that give beefaroni its signature flavor? I don’t go overboard but they make a world of difference.Sugar:How does sugar balance out the acidity of tomatoes?Macaroni PastaCan you use any pasta shape you like? I’ve even used small shells before!
Optional Toppings
Shredded Cheddar Cheese:What is better with cheese?Fresh Parsley:For a pop of color.Red Pepper Flakes: What are someIf you like a little heat. Why?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. When beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. I always use a paper towel to soak up any remaining grease.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. What is the smell like at this point?
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried oregano, and sugar. Add to the mixture. What is the best way to season with salt and pepper?
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes. What is the best way to spend an hour at a time? The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually let it simmer for as long as I can, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the macaroni pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in sauce. If needed, add a little more beef broth or water to cover.
Step 6: Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender
Cover and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. How do you make the sauce thicker as you cook it?
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes to allow sauce to thicken even more. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes. Is it healthy to eat a whole bowl of it?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is the beauty of this dish? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
What is a quick lunch? A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. It adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the beefaroni.
For a Family Dinner: Serve it with some garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping into the sauce. That’s a staple in our house! And maybe a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a little extra nutrition.
For a potluck: Just bring a big bowl of beefaroni! It’s always a hit. You can also bring a loaf of crusty bread and a simple green salad.
For a Cozy Nights: Curl up on the couch with a big bowl of beefaroni and your favorite movie. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience!
My family always requests a side of garlic bread. It’s the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious sauce. I’ve also been known to serve it with a simple green salad for a little bit of freshness and crunch. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this dish! It’s a crowd-pleaser no matter what you serve it with.
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Classic Beefaroni
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Classic Beefaroni
Okay, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this **Classic Beefaroni Recipe for a Hearty Meal** even better:
Beef Browning: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the beef. Brown it in batches if necessary to get a nice, even sear. This will add more flavor to the sauce.
Simmer Time: The longer the sauce simmers, the better it will taste. If you have the time, let it simmer for a few hours on low heat. Just make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.
Pasta Choice: Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, but you can use any small pasta shape you like. Ditalini, small shells, or even rotini would work well.
Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking. I usually add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the classic topping, but you can use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious. I’ve tested pepper jack and the results were phenomenal!
Vegetables: Feel free to add some extra vegetables to the sauce. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be great additions.
Spice: I add a dash of hot sauce for a little zing.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go. Every tomato sauce is different, so you may need to add more or less salt, pepper, or sugar to balance out the flavors. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and add-ins! That’s what makes this recipe so fun and versatile.
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **Classic Beefaroni Recipe for a Hearty Meal** is even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: It’s generally not recommended to leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can start to grow rapidly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover beefaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may thicken up a bit as it sits, but that’s perfectly normal.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze beefaroni for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through. You can also reheat it in a pot on the stove over medium heat, adding a little bit of water or broth if needed to thin out the sauce.
When freezing, I like to portion out the beefaroni into individual servings so that I can easily grab a quick lunch or dinner whenever I need it. And when reheating, I always add a little bit of fresh cheese on top to make it extra melty and delicious!
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My **Classic Beefaroni Recipe for a Hearty Meal** is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and totally customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. I truly believe that this will become one of your favorite recipes. It has a special place in my heart!
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other easy pasta dishes, like my One-Pot Pasta Primavera or my Creamy Tomato Pasta. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your beefaroni turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy cooking!
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Classic Beefaroni Recipe for a Hearty Meal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef preferably lean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- In the meantime, cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain well.
- Mix cooked macaroni into the beef mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
