Homemade Beefaroni Recipe – Easy, Delicious, and Family-Friendly

I’ve always loved creating dishes that bring family together around the table, turning simple ingredients into comforting meals. One of my all-time favorites is homemade beefaroni, a recipe I perfected after experimenting in my kitchen for years. Using fresh ingredients, flavorful tomato sauces, and tender pasta, this dish captures the warmth and simplicity of home-cooked meals. Quick, easy, and customizable, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings that call for hearty comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade beefaroni is a classic comfort dish you’ll fall in love with. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Using fresh ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce or paste, you get a meal that’s hearty, customizable, and family-friendly. You can make it with or without cheese, add vegetables, or adjust seasonings to taste. Homemade beefaroni from scratch is also healthier and more flavorful than canned versions, like beefaroni Chef Boyardee. Whether you want easy homemade beefaroni with tomato sauce, no cheese, or with tomato paste, this recipe has you covered for the best beefaroni recipe ever.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in homemade beefaroni serves a purpose: ground beef provides protein and flavor, onions and garlic bring aroma and depth, while tomato sauce or paste forms the rich base. Herbs like oregano and basil enhance the Italian-inspired flavor, and pasta makes it a filling, one-pot meal. Optional cheese adds creaminess, and bell peppers or mushrooms add texture and nutrients. With simple pantry staples, you can create a comforting dish your family will love.

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):

For the Beefaroni:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce or 2 tablespoons tomato paste + 1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or similar)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

Optional Add-ins:
½ cup diced bell peppers or mushrooms
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper for heat
2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing

How to Make This Recipe

Making homemade beefaroni is straightforward. Cook pasta until al dente and set aside. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then brown ground beef, seasoning with oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce or paste mixture and simmer until thick and flavorful. Mix in cooked pasta, stir well, and melt cheese on top if desired. Easy homemade beefaroni is versatile—you can skip cheese, add vegetables, or tweak seasonings. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy nights and family dinners.

🛒 Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
3. Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Stir in tomato sauce or tomato paste mixture; add oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
5. Combine cooked pasta with beef mixture; mix thoroughly.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let melt if using. Serve hot.

Expert Cooking Tips

Homemade beefaroni is simple, but a few expert tips make it exceptional. Always brown the ground beef fully for richer flavor. Use tomato paste with a little water if you want a thicker sauce, or switch to tomato sauce for a lighter texture. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor without extra effort. For easy homemade beefaroni from scratch, simmer slowly to let flavors meld. You can customize this recipe for no cheese or extra spice, creating the best beefaroni recipe ever for your family.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Brown beef thoroughly for depth of flavor.
• Use tomato paste + water for thick, rich sauce.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Customize with or without cheese to taste.
• Simmer slowly for best flavor.
• Use fresh herbs for a brighter taste.
• Prepare ahead and reheat; flavors improve overnight.

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Homemade beefaroni is a comforting, easy, and customizable dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer it with tomato sauce, tomato paste, cheese, or extra vegetables, this recipe delivers a hearty meal in under an hour. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you crave the best beefaroni recipe ever. With simple ingredients and expert tips, you can make a flavorful, homemade version that surpasses canned alternatives every time.

Homemade Beefaroni

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A comforting, classic pasta dish made from scratch with ground beef, tomato sauce or paste, and tender pasta. This homemade version is easy, flavorful, and fully customizable—perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):

For the Beefaroni:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup tomato sauce or 2 tablespoons tomato paste + 1 cup water

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or similar)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup diced bell peppers or mushrooms

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper for heat

• 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil (if using) over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasoning
Stir in tomato sauce or tomato paste mixture. Add oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using vegetables, add them now and cook until tender.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover until melted.

 

Step 5: Serve
Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

• No Cheese Option: Simply skip the cheese and season with extra herbs or spices for flavor.
• Without Tomato Sauce: Use tomato paste with water or broth, or try a light cream-based or roasted red pepper sauce for a twist.
• Meal Prep: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
• Quick Version: Use pre-cooked pasta or rotisserie chicken for faster prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish / Pasta
• Method: Stove-top / Simmer
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food