Homemade Beefaroni

When it comes to comfort food favorites, few dishes satisfy like a warm, hearty bowl of homemade Beefaroni. Packed with rich flavors, tender pasta, and savory beef, this dish is more than just a nostalgic throwback—it’s a weeknight warrior, a crowd-pleaser, and a budget-friendly meal all in one. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a satisfying dinner, our best-ever homemade Beefaroni recipe delivers bold taste and unbeatable comfort.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is a comprehensive list of fresh ingredients needed to prepare this delightful dish. Each component has been carefully selected for optimal flavor and texture.

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 pound
Onion, diced	1 medium
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Green bell pepper, diced	1 medium
Diced tomatoes (canned)	14 oz
Tomato sauce (canned)	8 oz
Tomato paste	1 tbsp
Italian seasoning	2 tsp
Sugar	1 tsp
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste
Elbow macaroni	1 pound
Grated Parmesan cheese	For garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Homemade Beefaroni

Step 1: Sear the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess fat and remove the beef from the skillet. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for Depth of Flavor

Using the same skillet, add a small drizzle of oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper for about 5-7 minutes or until soft and fragrant. This step infuses the dish with the foundational flavor base needed for an authentic homemade taste.

Step 3: Build a Robust Tomato Sauce

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the sautéed vegetables. Stir until the mixture is well-blended. The three forms of tomato—chopped, pureed, and concentrated—work together to create a layered, rich, tangy base.

Step 4: Season and Simmer to Perfection

Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to reduce slightly and lets all the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Boil the Macaroni Al Dente

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, but remove it a minute before full doneness. This ensures the pasta remains firm and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Then, drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet. Stir until every piece of macaroni is thoroughly coated in the flavorful sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot

Spoon generous portions of Beefaroni into serving bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For added flair, consider a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this heartwarming classic.