Beefaroni is the kind of comfort food that instantly brings back childhood memories. This hearty, satisfying pasta dish is a blend of elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, tomato-based sauce that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a nostalgic weekend meal, it’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this dish in under an hour. Homemade Beefaroni is tastier and healthier than the canned version, and once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back!

Whether you’re craving something cozy or need a one-pot meal that feeds the whole family, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s easily customizable, freezes well, and tastes even better the next day. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it ideal for families looking for a hearty yet affordable meal. So grab your favorite pot and let’s get cooking!

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 100 g)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 450 g (1 lb) ground beef

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30 g)

• 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup tomato sauce (250 ml)

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 250 g (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni, uncooked

• 1½ cups beef broth (375 ml) or water

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)

• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (60 ml), optional for creaminess

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.

2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Season the meat with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and Italian seasoning. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add sugar if desired. Stir well to combine.

6. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and pour in the beef broth or water. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce.

7. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

8. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream if using. Let cook for another 2–3 minutes until melted and creamy.

9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

10. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrients and Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

• Calories (per serving): ~470 kcal

• Protein: ~28 g

• Carbohydrates: ~40 g

• Fat: ~20 g

• Fiber: ~4 g

• Sugar: ~6 g

• Sodium: ~600 mg

More Information About This Recipe

Homemade Beefaroni offers a nostalgic twist on classic American cuisine. It blends the convenience of one-pot cooking with the satisfying textures of pasta and meat sauce. Unlike boxed or canned versions, this homemade recipe lets you control the ingredients—no preservatives, artificial flavorings, or unnecessary sodium. The creamy, cheesy finish elevates this humble dish to something truly crave-worthy.

It’s ideal for batch cooking, quick family dinners, or prepping for lunches throughout the week. You can double the recipe, freeze individual portions, and thaw them for a homemade meal whenever you need it. The dish also serves as a delicious base for sneaking in extra vegetables without picky eaters noticing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Beefaroni because it’s the definition of quick, cozy, and customizable. It takes classic pantry ingredients and turns them into a deliciously rich, creamy pasta bake-style meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Kids enjoy the familiar flavors, and adults love the homemade taste that’s far superior to anything in a can. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal—less cleanup, more flavor!

The combination of melted cheddar, tangy tomato sauce, and juicy ground beef over soft elbow macaroni is incredibly satisfying. You can adapt the spice level, richness, or even the type of pasta to suit your taste.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Beefaroni has its roots in mid-20th century American home cooking and gained massive popularity through canned versions introduced by Chef Boyardee. Designed as a quick, kid-friendly meal, it became a staple in school cafeterias and family homes. While the store-bought version is convenient, it often lacks the depth of flavor and wholesome ingredients found in homemade cooking.

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional American goulash, Italian-American pasta bakes, and old-fashioned casseroles. The goal was to recreate the childhood favorite in a more nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying way—using real ingredients and minimal effort.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Homemade Beefaroni stores incredibly well, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, Beefaroni can be frozen in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the dish on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture. If reheating from frozen, let the dish thaw overnight in the fridge first. To reheat in the oven, simply transfer the Beefaroni to a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15–20 minutes or until it’s thoroughly heated.

Common Variations to Try

Homemade Beefaroni is endlessly adaptable, so you can tailor it to your preferences, dietary goals, or the ingredients you have on hand. For a lighter or healthier version, swap in ground turkey or lean ground beef and use whole wheat pasta instead of traditional elbow macaroni. To elevate the creaminess and flavor, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or top the dish with shredded mozzarella before placing it under the broiler or baking it until golden and bubbly. Want more vegetables? Add chopped zucchini, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture as it cooks—these additions blend in seamlessly while boosting nutrition. If you’re craving something with a kick, try mixing in red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a baked version, after cooking the Beefaroni on the stovetop, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle generously with cheese, and bake until bubbly and lightly browned. Those with gluten sensitivities can substitute gluten-free elbow pasta and ensure all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe and delicious meal.

Pairing Recommendations

BThis comforting Beefaroni dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal. A crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette offers a fresh and crunchy contrast to the hearty, savory pasta. Garlic bread or cheesy toast are always a hit, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate. For a touch of elegance or for adult dinners, a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot enhances the richness of the tomato-meat sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, or carrots, also make excellent accompaniments that add both flavor and nutrition. If you’re serving this dish to kids, consider pairing it with apple slices, cucumber sticks, or even a creamy coleslaw to keep the meal balanced and fun. Whether it’s for a weeknight family dinner or a make-ahead lunch, Beefaroni can be customized and paired in countless delicious ways.

Health Benefits

While this is a comfort dish, you can make it healthier by choosing lean beef, whole grain pasta, and reduced-fat cheese. The beef adds a good dose of protein, iron, and B vitamins, while tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene. With the added option of sneaking in vegetables, you increase the fiber and nutrient profile significantly.

By preparing it at home, you reduce sodium, unhealthy fats, and additives found in processed versions. You also have better control over portion size, ingredients, and seasonings to suit your family’s needs.

Conclusion

Homemade Beefaroni is the kind of dish that warms both the belly and the heart. It’s proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something deeply satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or introducing it to the next generation, this version is wholesome, flavorful, and customizable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, budget-friendly dinners, and even picky eaters. Once you try this from-scratch version, you’ll never reach for the canned kind again. Loaded with cheesy, meaty goodness and packed with nostalgic flavor, Homemade Beefaroni is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.