Beefaroni
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A classic comfort food, Beefaroni is a delightful blend of pasta and beef in a savory tomato sauce that brings nostalgia to the dinner table.
Beefaroni is a nostalgic dish that many remember fondly from their childhood. Quick to make and satisfying, it's a perfect weeknight meal.
Why You'll Love This Beefaroni
- Savory beef and pasta in a rich tomato sauce
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Comforting flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy
The Comfort of Homemade Beefaroni
There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade Beefaroni. It takes the familiar flavors of childhood and elevates them with fresh ingredients and tender care. The combination of hearty ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety tomato sauce creates a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. This meal is not just food; it’s a reminder of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table. Making Beefaroni at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a wholesome, delicious experience for your loved ones.
Unlike store-bought varieties, homemade Beefaroni offers the flexibility to adjust flavors and textures to suit your preferences. You can easily add extra vegetables or spices, making it a versatile dish that can adapt to any palate. Plus, preparing it from scratch means avoiding preservatives and artificial ingredients often found in commercial products. The result is a meal that’s not only better for you but also richer in taste and nostalgia.
Perfect for Busy Nights
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious meal can be challenging. That's why Beefaroni shines as a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. It comes together in just one skillet, minimizing both prep and cleanup time. With a cook time of about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. This recipe is particularly appealing for families with young children, as it allows you to serve a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Moreover, Beefaroni is highly customizable, which means you can tailor it to your family's tastes. Whether you want to throw in some spinach for added nutrition or swap the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free alternative, the possibilities are endless. This adaptability ensures that your Beefaroni will never be boring, making it a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Serving Suggestions
Ingredients
For the Beefaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Mix and match your favorite ingredients to make this dish your own!
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Add the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Pasta
Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir well. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Allow the cheese to melt before serving. Enjoy your Beefaroni!
Serve this hearty dish with a side salad for a complete meal!
Storage Tips
Leftover Beefaroni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors on multiple occasions. When reheating, consider adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out, ensuring a creamy consistency.
For longer storage, Beefaroni can also be frozen. Divide the dish into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal.
Nutritional Information
Beefaroni is not just a delicious comfort food; it also offers nutritional benefits. Ground beef provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. The addition of elbow macaroni gives you carbohydrates, which are vital for energy. Moreover, the tomatoes in the sauce are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants that support overall health.
To make your Beefaroni even healthier, consider using lean ground beef or turkey, which reduces the fat content without sacrificing flavor. You can also incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini into the dish, boosting its fiber content and adding a colorful twist that makes the meal even more appealing.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne or rotini.
→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
→ Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, Beefaroni can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
→ What can I serve with Beefaroni?
It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Beefaroni
A classic comfort food, Beefaroni is a delightful blend of pasta and beef in a savory tomato sauce that brings nostalgia to the dinner table.
Created by: Aubrey Whitman
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Beefaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How-To Steps
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir well. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Allow the cheese to melt before serving. Enjoy your Beefaroni!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g