Beefaroni

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Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, Beefaroni is that one-pot wonder everyone craves after a long day. This classic American dish blends savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-cheddar sauce that wraps every bite in nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or just looking for a hearty dinner that hits the spot, this dish brings both simplicity and satisfaction to your table.

With its pantry-friendly ingredients and speedy stovetop method, Beefaroni is a weeknight lifesaver. It channels the vibe of homemade Hamburger Helper, but with a tastier, more wholesom

e spin. Plus, it’s easy to customize with veggies, extra spices, or different cheeses depending on what you have on hand.

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Why You’ll Love This Beefaroni

• Fast and Filling: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Approved: Cheesy, meaty, and mild—this dish is picky-eater friendly.
• One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for meal prepping or stocking up for future dinners.
• Customizable: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or diced peppers for extra nutrition.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Beefaroni?

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice because its curved shape catches all that cheesy meat sauce. But if you’re out, don’t stress. Shells, penne, or rotini all work beautifully too. Just be sure to use a pasta shape that holds up well and has enough surface area to cling to the sauce.

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Ingredients for the Beefaroni

This meal is built on everyday staples, but each one plays a big role in the final flavor and texture.

• Ground Beef – The star of the show, it adds hearty flavor and satisfying protein.
• Elbow Macaroni – Ideal for holding onto the saucy goodness.
• Cheddar Cheese – Melts into a creamy, tangy blanket over the pasta.
• Tomato Sauce – Gives the dish its classic, rich tomato base.
• Beef Broth – Adds depth and keeps the pasta moist and flavorful.
• Onion & Garlic – Aromatics that add sweet and savory undertones.
• Paprika & Italian Seasoning – Bring warmth and a hint of herbiness.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors.

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How To Make the Beefaroni

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil and sauté diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pan. Break it apart and cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Pour in the elbow macaroni. Stir well, cover, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened, turn off the heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or more cheese if desired. Serve right away and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store Beefaroni

This cozy dish serves about 6 people, making it a family-size dinner that also works great for leftovers.

To store: Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

To freeze: Beefaroni freezes well! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

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What to Serve With Beefaroni?

Garlic Bread

A crunchy, buttery side that pairs perfectly with the saucy pasta.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine with creamy dressing adds a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting brings out its sweetness and adds a little crunch.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Light and tangy, it helps balance the richness.

Green Beans Almondine

Elegant and easy, with a touch of crunch from toasted almonds.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet, juicy, and classic—especially in the summer months.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

Acidic sides like these cut through the cheese and meat with zing.

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Want More Comforting Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Beefaroni, you’ll definitely want to check out these other cheesy, saucy favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells – a Comforting One-Pan Delight
• Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
• Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
• Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can revisit it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you sneak in some veggies or spice it up with jalapeños? Did your kids devour it or ask for seconds?

I always love hearing how others bring these classics to life. If you have questions, don’t hesitate—let’s help each other make dinner better.

Explore more cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and bring fresh dinner ideas to your table!

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