Easy Homemade Beefaroni is the kind of nostalgic comfort food that brings back cozy weeknight dinners and second helpings. This classic pasta dish features tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich tomato-meat sauce, delivering savory satisfaction in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, affordable, and kid-approved – making it a winning recipe for busy households.

What sets this version apart is the depth of flavor created with well-seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, and a touch of garlic, all simmered in a tomato base. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this homemade Beefaroni will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients for this Easy Homemade Beefaroni

1 pound ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese (optional)

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained macaroni to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and shredded cheese, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Beefaroni more flavorful?

Use high-quality tomato sauce, fresh garlic, and don’t skip the seasoning. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also deepen the flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells work well. Just be sure to adjust cooking time according to the pasta shape.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Label and date them for easy future meals.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Substitute the macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta brand and ensure your sauce is gluten-free.

What proteins can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles are great alternatives that still deliver a hearty bite.

How can I make this a one-pot meal?

Boil the pasta first, drain it, and then cook everything in the same pot. You’ll save time on clean-up without compromising flavor.

Easy Homemade Beefaroni

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Looking for a hearty, quick dinner idea that the whole family will love? This Easy Homemade Beefaroni delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting pasta dish blends savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and tender elbow macaroni into one satisfying skillet meal. It’s one of those easy recipes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day—and it’s great for lunch leftovers, too!

Whether you’re seeking new dinner ideas or want a classic comfort food fix, this dish checks all the boxes: quick prep, easy ingredients, and rich, satisfying flavor. Plus, it freezes beautifully and reheats like a dream, making it a fantastic meal prep solution. Get ready to add this to your list of weeknight dinner wins.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
Add diced onion to the beef and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Mix in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with parsley and shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner