Name: Homemade Beefaroni: Ditch the Can & Devour Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe

Okay, so who here *didn’t* grow up on beefaroni? Seriously, that stuff was the ultimate comfort food! I remember coming home from school, and if Mom was making beefaroni, I knew it was gonna be a good night. But, let’s be honest, the canned stuff? Not exactly gourmet. That’s why I had to figure out how to make it from scratch, and trust me, this homemade beefaroni recipe is a game-changer.

And the best part? It’s seriously easy. Like, weeknight-dinner-救星 easy. We’re talking simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor. Even picky eaters will devour this, I swear. My own kids are living proof, and they usually turn their noses up at anything that isn’t pizza or chicken nuggets! So, if you’re craving that classic, comforting flavor but want something a little (okay, a *lot*) better, you’ve gotta try my homemade beefaroni. It’s got that nostalgic taste you love, but made with real ingredients and a whole lotta love. It’s super simple, and I’ve been making this recipe for years. I’m excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Beefaroni

Quick and Easy Homemade Beefaroni

Seriously, who has time for complicated dinners? This recipe is ready in under an hour! Prep is a breeze, and cleanup is even easier. I promise!

Comfort Food Classic

There’s just something about beefaroni that screams “childhood,” right? This version nails that nostalgic flavor, but it’s even *better* than you remember.

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Throw in some bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a little bit of spice. And cheese? Go wild! It’s totally up to you.

Ingredients for Homemade Beefaroni

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this awesome homemade beefaroni. Don’t worry, it’s all stuff you can easily find at your regular grocery store. I always keep these things on hand because, well, beefaroni cravings strike at any time!

1 pound ground beef – I usually go for 80/20, it adds some good flavor, ya know?
1 onion, chopped – Yellow or white, whatever you’ve got!
2 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic, trust me!
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes – The bigger the better!
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce – Adds that smooth, saucy goodness.
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste – This is our secret weapon for thickening things up and adding extra tomato flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Can’t forget the oregano!
1/2 teaspoon dried basil – Basil is a must!
Salt and pepper to taste – Season it up, baby!
1 pound elbow macaroni – The classic shape, right?
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Or more! I won’t judge if you add extra.

How to Make Homemade Beefaroni: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Making the beefaroni. Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on some seriously yummy homemade beefaroni in no time!

Preparing the Meat Sauce for Homemade Beefaroni

First things first, grab your biggest skillet. You’ll want to brown that pound of ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy beefaroni! Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook ’em until they’re nice and soft, about 5 minutes or so. Now, stir in that can of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble away for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens, folks!

Cooking the Macaroni

While that sauce is simmering away, let’s get the macaroni going. Cook that pound of elbow macaroni according to the package directions. But here’s a pro tip: cook it until it’s *just* al dente. You don’t want mushy beefaroni, trust me! Once it’s cooked, drain it well.

Combining and Finishing the Homemade Beefaroni

Alright, time to bring it all together! Add that cooked macaroni to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir it all up until everything’s nicely combined and coated in that delicious sauce. Now, for the best part: cheese! Sprinkle that cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. You can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to get that cheese all melty and bubbly, or just let it melt from the heat of the sauce. Totally up to you! Serve it up hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Beefaroni

To make sure your homemade beefaroni is absolutely perfect, here are a few little tips I’ve learned over the years. Don’t overcook the macaroni! Soggy noodles are the enemy. Also, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings in the sauce as it simmers. And finally, for extra flavor, try adding a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers. Just remember to remove it before serving!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Homemade Beefaroni

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Wanna switch things up a bit? No problem! Here’s the lowdown on some swaps you can make to customize your beefaroni.

First, the ground beef. I usually use 80/20 ’cause it’s got flavor, but you can totally use lean ground beef if you’re watching your fat intake. Ground turkey or even ground chicken works too! Just make sure to drain off any extra grease. As for cheese, cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan are all yummy options. Get creative! And if you’re out of dried oregano or basil, Italian seasoning will do the trick. Easy peasy!

Tips for the Best Ever Homemade Beefaroni

Okay, so you wanna make *amazing* homemade beefaroni, right? Here are my secrets! First, watch that macaroni like a hawk! Overcooked pasta? No way! Aim for *al dente*. Also, don’t rush the sauce. Let it simmer, baby, simmer! That’s where all the flavor develops. And last but not least? Cheese matters! Splurge on some good-quality cheddar. Trust me, you can taste the difference. My favorite part is when the cheese gets all melty and gooey! Yum!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Beefaroni

Can I make homemade beefaroni ahead of time?

Totally! In fact, I think it tastes even BETTER the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

What kind of cheese is best for homemade beefaroni?

Okay, so cheddar is classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Monterey Jack gets super melty. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. Go wild!

Can I add vegetables to my homemade beefaroni?

You betcha! I love adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some zucchini. Just toss them in with the onions and garlic. Get creative and load it up with whatever veggies you like! It’s a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into this comfort food classic.

Storing and Reheating Your Homemade Beefaroni

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This stuff keeps great. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days, easy. When you’re ready to reheat, you can nuke it in the microwave (about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through), or warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of water or milk. Boom! Dinner is served (again!).

Nutritional Information for Homemade Beefaroni

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and all those numbers can vary a ton depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you pile on your plate (we’ve all been there, right?). So, the info below is just a general estimate. Don’t come yelling at me if your homemade beefaroni has, like, one extra calorie! Just enjoy it!

Enjoy Your Homemade Beefaroni!

Alright, my friend, it’s time to dig in! I really hope you try this homemade beefaroni. It’s seriously one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. If you make it, please, PLEASE leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! And don’t forget to snap a pic and share it on social media! Happy cooking!