Why You’ll Love Beefaroni Recipe

It’s easy and straightforward—perfect for busy weeknights.
The flavors are richer and more satisfying than the boxed dinner version.
You can make a large batch, making it great for leftovers or serving a crowd.
It uses familiar ingredients and minimal prep, so it’s approachable for cooks of all levels.
The kid‑friendly format (pasta + beef + cheese) makes it a crowd pleaser for the whole family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Elbow macaroni
Oil (for sautéing)
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Ground beef
Tomato sauce
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes tender and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and let it cook briefly (about 30 seconds), then add the ground beef. Crumble the beef as it cooks, and drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the tomato sauce and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Add the drained cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and sauce mixture.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and well mixed. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use a different pasta shape like penne or rigatoni if you prefer something other than elbow macaroni.
Stir in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added veggies.
Try using a blend of cheeses (such as mozzarella + cheddar) for a different cheesy texture.
Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container; they’ll keep for about 5 to 7 days in the fridge.
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer‑safe container for up to two months.
To reheat, thaw (if frozen) then warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. Add a splash of milk or water if the pasta seems dry.

FAQs

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy in this recipe?

Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente—still firm to the bite—because it will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce and beef.

Can I use pre‑minced garlic from a jar instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you absolutely can. Just adjust the amount to taste since jarred garlic can be more concentrated.

What type of cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended for this version because it melts nicely and complements the beef and tomato sauce, but you can substitute or blend in other melty cheeses if desired.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the sauce and beef mixture ahead, cook the pasta just before serving, then combine everything when you’re ready to eat. This helps keep the pasta from overcooking.

Is this dish freezer‑friendly?

Yes — once cooled, store it in a freezer‑safe container. It keeps well for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes — replace the ground beef with a plant‑based ground beef substitute or use lentils or crumbled tofu seasoned similarly. The cooking method remains the same.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté the veggies along with the onions before adding garlic and beef.

What if I want a richer tomato sauce flavor?

You can deepen the sauce by adding a small splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of tomato paste when you stir in the tomato sauce.

Is there a way to make it lower in fat?

Choose lean ground beef (such as 90% lean) or substitute with ground turkey. Drain off any excess fat. You can also use a reduced‑fat cheese or use a smaller amount of cheese.

Can this be served to guests?

Absolutely. This is a crowd‑pleasing comfort dish that works well for casual dinner gatherings. You might pair it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread to round it out.

Conclusion

This Beefaroni recipe brings classic comfort food back to life in a homemade way—simple, flavorful, and sure to satisfy. It’s perfect for weeknights, feeding family, and making ahead for leftovers. With minimal fuss and big flavor, it’s one to keep in your regular dinner rotation.

Beefaroni