Description
Hearty homemade beefaroni brings classic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Pasta twirls and rich beef sauce combine in a nostalgic meal that satisfies hungry families with simple, delicious ingredients you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Pasta:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare a pot of salted water and cook elbow macaroni until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set pasta aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and cook ground beef until completely browned and no pink remains. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
- Create a robust sauce by introducing diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the skillet. Enhance the flavor profile with dried oregano, fresh basil, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the meat sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated. Transfer the combined mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, spreading it uniformly across the surface.
- Generously distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust and the edges become slightly crispy.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection Choose high-quality elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a satisfying texture.
- Lean Meat Magic Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease while keeping the dish flavorful and healthier.
- Cheese Variation Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar or parmesan for a personalized taste profile that adds depth to the classic recipe.
- Make-Ahead Friendly Prepare the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy families.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg