Description
This Homemade Beefaroni is a comforting American dinner classic featuring tender macaroni combined with savory ground beef and a rich, creamy tomato sauce, all topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Beefaroni:
- 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
For the Sauce:
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be added later in the dish.
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Add diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until onions are translucent and beef is cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Remove Excess Fat: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the sauce balanced.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add beef broth, tomato sauce, heavy whipping cream, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 7-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Stir the cooked macaroni into the simmered sauce until well coated. Lower the heat to low, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and stir constantly until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and cohesive.
- Serve and Garnish: Dish out the hearty beefaroni and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting homemade meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and maintain a balanced flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer for an additional 5 minutes before adding macaroni.
- You can substitute basil for parsley based on your preference or availability.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make sure to not overcook the macaroni to keep it pleasantly chewy and prevent mushiness.
