This Beefaroni recipe is comfort food at its finest—a one-pot wonder packed with tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce that brings the whole dish together. It’s fast, satisfying, and the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need an easy weeknight dinner, Beefaroni checks every box.

What makes this dish so magical is how simple it is to make. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just real, familiar flavors that hit all the right notes. Plus, the leftovers (if you have any) taste even better the next day. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and totally irresistible.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Beefaroni?

Classic elbow macaroni is the gold standard here. Its shape is perfect for trapping the cheesy beef sauce in every bite. You can swap it for small shells or cavatappi if needed, but elbows give it that traditional Beefaroni texture. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Ingredients for the Beefaroni

Ground Beef: The foundation of the recipe, adding heartiness and rich flavor. Opt for 85% lean for the best balance of taste and texture.

Elbow Macaroni: These classic noodles are essential for soaking up the sauce and providing that nostalgic Beefaroni feel.

Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar adds creaminess and tang that ties the beef and pasta together. You can mix in mozzarella for extra stretch.

Tomato Sauce: A good-quality tomato sauce brings acidity and richness that balances the beef and cheese.

Onion and Garlic: These aromatics give depth and a savory base to the meat sauce. Freshly minced makes all the difference.

Paprika and Italian Seasoning: These spices bring warmth and that hint of herby flavor without overpowering the dish.

Salt & Pepper: For seasoning everything perfectly. Taste and adjust!

Optional: Heavy Cream or Sour Cream: For an ultra-creamy version, a splash of cream makes it indulgent without being too heavy.

How To Make the Beefaroni

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Sprinkle in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.

Step 4: Stir in Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you want extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream at this stage.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the meat sauce and stir everything together until well coated. Let it cook for another 2 minutes on low heat to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and gently fold it into the pasta. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy, luscious finish.

Serving and Storing This Beefaroni

This dish is best served hot, right from the pot, when the cheese is melty and the sauce is silky. Pair it with a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that works for both casual family dinners and lazy weekend lunches.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to revive the sauce if needed. You can even freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even chicken works great as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to season well to boost flavor.

What cheese works best for melting?

Sharp cheddar is our go-to, but you can mix in mozzarella for extra meltiness or Monterey Jack for a creamier finish.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta al dente and avoid overmixing it with the sauce. Also, don’t let it sit too long on the heat after combining.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble everything, skip the cheese, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat and add cheese fresh.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! It’s basically a cheesy, beefy pasta dish, and most kids love it. You can sneak in some finely chopped veggies like carrots or zucchini if you’d like.

What can I serve with Beefaroni?

Garlic bread, side salad, or roasted veggies all pair wonderfully to balance the richness of the dish.

Want More Pasta Comforts Like This?

If Beefaroni hits the spot, you’ll love these other comforting and cheesy pasta favorites:

Each one brings its own twist on hearty, cheesy goodness that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you always have it when a cheesy pasta craving hits.

And let me know how your version turned out! Did you make it extra cheesy? Add veggies or a spicy kick? I love seeing your kitchen creativity. Drop your tips and questions in the comments below—let’s help each other make dinner even better.

Find more cozy meal inspiration on my Pinterest: Life with Jam

Beefaroni

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich, cheesy one-pot Beefaroni that brings comforting nostalgia to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying your family’s craving for hearty pasta, this dish combines savory beef, elbow macaroni, and melty cheddar in a creamy tomato sauce. Easy to make and even better the next day.