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This hearty beefaroni has tender macaroni noodles that are loaded with cheesy, meaty garlic sauce in every bite. This recipe is picky–eater approved, has incredible flavor, and is easy to prepare.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love, this is it. Beefaroni checks all the boxes. Easy, cheesy, meaty, and ready in 30 minutes.
- Picky Eater Approved: This beefaroni recipe is definitely picky eater approved. My youngest thought it was the most amazing dinner ever, and she licked her plate clean.
- Budget Friendly: This recipe uses super simple pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
Ingredient List for 30-Minute Beefaroni
This is everything you’ll need to make this yummy beefaroni. The good news is that it’s all pretty simple and also easy to change using your favorite sauces, mix-ins, you name it! Check out the recipe card at the end of the post for measurements.
- Elbow Macaroni: These classic pasta tubes absorb the sauce and bake up perfectly cheesy.
- Lean Ground Beef: Use 85/15 or leaner to minimize grease and keep the dish lighter. Brown it well for rich flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet depth to the sauce. Mince it finely for flavor in each bite.
- Garlic: Because you can never go wrong with garlic! Fresh is best but jarred will also work. Garlic adds the perfect savory flavor to the beefaroni.
- Paprika: Nice and smoky, paprika gives the beefaroni sauce a hint of warm spice.
- Oregano: Earthy and delicious, oregano adds a touch of Italian flair to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Adjust to your preference!
- Canned Tomato Sauce: Choose a good quality sauce for the best flavor base.
- Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, savory flavor to the sauce. Don’t skimp!
How to Make Beefaroni
This is the perfect dinner to make on busy weeknights. It only takes 30 minutes to make, and your whole family will love it! Beefaroni is so easy to make and always a hit. I love it just as much as my kids do!
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and then set aside.
- Cook Beef and Onions: Cook the ground beef and onion together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the beef browns completely and the onions turn translucent.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Season with paprika, oregano, salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
- Combine: Add the tomato sauce to the mixture, then saute everything together for 2-3 minutes. Add the macaroni and mix well. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is mixed in and heated through.
- Enjoy: Remove from heat and then serve with a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few ways to change your easy homemade beefaroni recipe and make it with ingredients you already have on hand:
- Switch Up the Pasta: If you don’t have elbow pasta on hand, then shells or bowties work great as well!
- Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some veggies, then feel free to add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Give them a quick sauté with the garlic and onions.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream for some tangy goodness!
Storing Leftover Beefaroni
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you want an easy and delicious meal, reheat them in the microwave or over the stove on medium heat until warmed through. Leftover beefaroni is perfect for a quick lunch.
Try These Other Fun Pasta Recipes Next
If you’re like me, then I know you need quick and easy recipes your whole family will love. Here are a few for you to try.
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Quick and Easy Beefaroni
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 29 ounce can tomato sauce
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground beef and onion together until the beef is completely browned and the onions are translucent.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Season with paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and saute everything together 2-3 minutes. Add the macaroni and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well incorporated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and serve with a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Good as a quick meal. I made it exactly as written. My tomato sauce was too tangy for my taste (I used canned but am used to homemade), but that’s on me. Next time, I’ll follow my Italian grandma’s trick and add a pinch of cinnamon to tone the tang down.
This is a very quick to the table recipe. I wouldn’t want it every night, but I just want to say that not one elbow remained in the pan.