Name: Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups macaroni, uncooked; 1 pound lean ground beef; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Fresh chopped basil or parsley for serving; 1 cup beef broth; 8 ounces tomato sauce; ½ cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 6 reviews

I absolutely adore this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe because it perfectly combines the comforting richness of a meaty, cheesy pasta dish with the ease of a simple weeknight meal. From the first bite, I’m captivated by the creamy, savory sauce that hugs every piece of macaroni, making it feel like a warm, satisfying hug in a bowl. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something that feels like homemade comfort food but is straightforward enough to whip up quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Beefaroni Recipe

When I make this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe, what really stands out to me is the incredible balance of flavors packed into every spoonful. The blend of sharp cheddar cheese melting into a luscious tomato and cream sauce creates this rich, velvety texture that I find utterly irresistible. The Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning add a subtle depth that elevates the whole dish beyond the usual pasta and meat combo. I love how each forkful delivers familiar, hearty goodness with just a little bit of a gourmet twist.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is how wonderfully easy it is to prepare. If you can boil pasta and brown some beef, you’re more than halfway there. The simmering sauce comes together quickly, allowing you to get dinner on the table in under 40 minutes, which is a lifesaver for busy evenings. Plus, it’s perfect for casual dinners with family or friends, potlucks, or even meal prepping for busy weekdays. I honestly believe this recipe stands out because it combines simplicity, comfort, and flavor in one delightful dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish is a baked pasta in a round silver pan, showing three main layers. The bottom layer is rich and chunky with brown cooked ground meat mixed with red tomato sauce and some visible tomato pieces. The middle layer is made of curly pasta, coated well with the orange-red sauce, mixing with the meat. The top layer is golden melted cheese with white and yellow shades, sprinkled with small green herb bits. A gold spoon is scooping out some pasta from the right side, revealing the layers inside. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe is refreshingly simple yet essential to achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a crucial role whether it’s the tender macaroni providing the base, the lean ground beef adding hearty protein, or the fresh herbs bringing a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

2 cups macaroni: I always pick elbow macaroni; it’s just the perfect size for catching the sauce.
1 pound lean ground beef: Using lean beef helps keep it hearty but not greasy.
½ teaspoon salt: Just enough to season the beef and bring out the flavor without overpowering.
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a little spicy warmth to the dish.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: I sauté this until translucent for a sweet, savory base.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is my secret weapon for boosting flavor depth.
1 cup beef broth: It enriches the sauce with a meaty undertone.
8 ounces tomato sauce: The foundation of the tangy, comforting sauce I love.
½ cup heavy whipping cream: Makes the sauce decadently creamy and smooth.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity and a bit of tang.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a burst of herbs that make every bite flavorful.
2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for that perfect cheesy richness.
Fresh chopped basil or parsley for serving: I sprinkle this on top for freshness and a vibrant finish.

Directions

Step 1: I start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente—this ensures the pasta holds up well in the sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, I drain it and set it aside while I prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Next, I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. I break it up with my spatula and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts browning. Then, I season it with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, toss in the diced yellow onion, and continue sautéing for about 5 to 6 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 3: I add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for just another minute until fragrant. If there’s any excess grease in the pan, I like to carefully drain it off to keep the sauce from getting oily.

Step 4: Now it’s time to build the sauce. I pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and heavy cream, then add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. I give it a good stir to combine everything and let the sauce simmer gently on medium-low heat for 7 to 10 minutes. This step allows all those incredible flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 5: Once the sauce has thickened a bit, I stir in the cooked macaroni, coating each piece in that creamy, savory sauce. Then I lower the heat and sprinkle in the sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and integrated, creating a luscious, cheesy finish.

Step 6: To finish, I serve the beefaroni hot, garnished generously with fresh chopped basil or parsley. This little bit of green brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note that I just love.

Servings and Timing

This Homemade Beefaroni Recipe makes about 6 generous servings, which I find perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for the next day. The prep time is quick — just 10 minutes to dice, chop, and get everything ready. Cooking takes about 25 minutes, including browning the beef and simmering the sauce. Altogether, you’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic option for a flavorful yet speedy dinner. No resting or cooling time is necessary, so it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm right off the stove.

How to Serve This Homemade Beefaroni Recipe

A close-up view shows a white bowl filled with three layers of macaroni pasta mixed with a rich, reddish-orange meat sauce. The first layer at the bottom has small elbow-shaped pasta coated thickly in a chunky tomato sauce with visible bits of ground meat. The middle layer is thicker with more sauce and melted cheese strings stretching as a woman's hand lifts a portion. The top layer features a glossy and dense mix of pasta coated in the same sauce with melted cheese visible on the edges. In the background, fresh red tomatoes and a stack of cookies are blurred against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I’m serving this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe, I like to keep things simple but thoughtful. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and beef sauce. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts are also fantastic sides that add a nice texture contrast and earthy flavor. For a fun twist, sometimes I serve it alongside garlic bread or cheesy garlic knots, which soak up any extra sauce and take the meal to indulgent new heights.

I enjoy garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley as it adds a burst of color and freshness that makes the dish feel lively and inviting. If I’m plating for a group, I like to use wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and make it easy for everyone to scoop up plenty of sauce with their pasta.

As for drinks, a chilled glass of medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or Zinfandel works perfectly with the beef and cheddar flavors. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea complements the meal wonderfully. This dish is ideal served hot and fresh, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, comfort food cravings, or casual gatherings.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. One of my favorite tweaks is swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Alternatively, if you want to keep it vegetarian, leaving out the meat and adding sautéed mushrooms or lentils makes a surprisingly satisfying substitute.

For those following gluten-free diets, simply swapping the traditional macaroni for gluten-free pasta makes this dish accessible without sacrificing flavor or texture. You can also play with the cheese by using a sharper aged cheddar, smoked gouda, or even a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile and creaminess.

If you’re looking for a breezier cooking method, I’ve had success making a version of this in the slow cooker by browning the beef and onions first, then combining all ingredients and letting it cook slowly for several hours. It’s a fantastic hands-off option for busy days and still delivers the same comforting flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have any leftover Homemade Beefaroni, I transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. I find it keeps beautifully for up to 3 to 4 days without losing flavor or texture. Using glass containers helps maintain freshness and makes reheating a breeze.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. To freeze, I let the beefaroni cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep frozen for up to 2 months, which is perfect for prepping meals ahead of time. Just be sure to leave some space at the top of your container for expansion.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer to warm the beefaroni gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Microwaving works too, but I recommend stirring every minute or so to ensure even heating and avoid dry spots. Avoid overheating as it can cause the cheese to separate slightly and the pasta to become mushy. Reheating until just warmed through is key to enjoying it as deliciously as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend elbow macaroni for its sauce-hugging shape, other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells work really well too. Just cook them according to package directions and adjust cooking times if needed.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes very well. Just make sure to cool it completely first, then package in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Definitely. For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegan cheese alternatives. To make it vegan, replace the beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and lentils.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

Using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reducing the amount of cheese, and swapping heavy cream for a lighter milk or half-and-half can help reduce calories while keeping the flavors satisfying.

What’s the best way to garnish this dish?

I love a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley to add brightness and color. A little cracked black pepper on top enhances the flavor further. If you want a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes works wonderfully too.

Conclusion

I hope you feel as excited as I do to try making this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe yourself. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy enough to make any night but special enough to turn into a family favorite. From the creamy sauce to the perfectly cooked pasta and savory beef, each bite is pure comfort. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!