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Tasty Homemade Beefaroni

Category: Lunch

This cozy meal layers tender elbow pasta with browned ground beef cooked in a tasty tomato sauce filled with herbs. Garlic and chopped onions boost the flavor, while melted mozzarella forms a golden, bubbly crust. It feeds six people and brings a homey, filling taste perfect for dinner. You can swap the pasta for another shape or toss in some red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Great for simple, tasty home cooking.

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Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:12:07 GMT
A bowl of cheesy beefaroni with tomato sauce. Save
A bowl of cheesy beefaroni with tomato sauce. | chefsnaps.com

This homemade beefaroni is super simple and tasty. You get tender ground beef mixed with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all tossed in a rich tomato sauce and topped with ooey-gooey mozzarella. It's a cozy favorite for a weeknight or a casual meal that everyone will enjoy.

I whipped this up on a cold night when I wanted something easy and filling. It quickly became a go-to thanks to its familiar, comfy flavors.

Needed Ingredients

  • Elbow macaroni: classic shape that catches the sauce nicely. Pick a good brand for better texture
  • Ground beef: brings the meaty base. Fresh with a good fat ratio works best for flavor
  • Garlic: fresh cloves add a bright, aromatic kick
  • Small onion: finely diced for sweetness and depth. Choose firm ones without soft spots
  • Tomato sauce: smooth and saucy, it brings everything together
  • Dried oregano and basil: add those lovely Mediterranean herb vibes
  • Canned diced tomatoes: add texture and tangy bursts
  • Salt and pepper: to bring out all the flavors
  • Tomato paste: thickens sauce while adding a deep tomato punch
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: fresh shreds melt best for that gooey topping

Step-by-Step Cooking

A bowl of beefaroni with tomatoes and cheese.
A bowl of beefaroni with tomatoes and cheese. | chefsnaps.com

I often sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a light kick that balances the rich tomato flavors. One time, I doubled it for a family get-together and everyone went back for seconds and even asked for the details.

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Great Sides

A bowl of beefaroni with a green herb on top.
A bowl of beefaroni with a green herb on top. | chefsnaps.com

This dish means a lot to me. It brings back memories of cozy nights with family, sharing laughs and good food. It really feels like a warm hug right on your plate.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Sure, pastas like rotini or penne are great and hold onto the sauce well.

→ How do I ensure the beef cooks evenly?

Use a spoon to break the beef apart and cook it on medium heat until it's fully browned.

→ What herbs complement this dish best?

Basil and dried oregano bring that classic Italian taste and balance the tomato sauce nicely.

→ Can I add heat to this dish?

Yep, a little red pepper flakes add a mild kick without taking over the flavors.

→ Is there a way to make this dish richer?

Try mixing ground pork with the beef to make it juicier and pack more flavor.

Homemade Beefaroni

Warm combo of browned beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella baked just right.

Preparation Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
45 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Recipe Created By: Dana

Type of Recipe: Lunch

Cooking Skill Level: Simple for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Serving Amount: 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Pasta

01 180 g elbow macaroni

→ Dairy

02 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Canned goods

03 225 g tomato sauce (canned)
04 410 g diced tomatoes (canned)
05 15 ml tomato paste

→ Vegetables

06 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 1 small onion chopped fine

→ Meat

08 450 g ground beef

→ Herbs & Spices

09 Black pepper, as you like
10 Salt, as needed
11 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Dish up while it's hot. You can throw on some fresh parsley if you want.

Step 02

Put the dish in an oven set at 190°C. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese bubbles and melts.

Step 03

Move everything to a baking dish that you’ve greased and spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top evenly.

Step 04

Add the drained macaroni to the tomato and beef sauce, then mix everything up well.

Step 05

Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into the pan. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors come together.

Step 06

Toss the garlic and chopped onion into the beef on medium heat. Cook it until the onion turns soft and clear.

Step 07

Cook the ground beef in a big pan over medium heat, breaking it up while it browns all over.

Step 08

Boil elbow macaroni in salted water till it’s just right—firm but cooked—and then drain it.

Helpful Tips

  1. Try mixing in some ground pork with the beef for extra flavor.
  2. Toss in red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice.
  3. You can swap elbow macaroni for penne or rotini if you want.
  4. Going plant-based? Use a vegan ground meat substitute instead of beef.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Large skillet
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always check labels for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has dairy and gluten

Nutrition Information (Per Portion)

Nutrition facts are provided for reference and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 45 grams
  • Protein Content: 30 grams