This Easy Homemade Cheesy Beefaroni Recipe is a cozy, family-friendly dish that’s ready in under an hour. It combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce into a one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a homemade twist on a childhood favorite.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers big flavor without the fuss. It’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s explore why this dish is so loved and how you can make it yourself.
Why People Love This Easy Homemade Cheesy Beefaroni Recipe
There’s something nostalgic about beefaroni that takes people back to simpler times. This homemade version swaps the canned stuff for fresh, real ingredients. The cheesy, beefy goodness feels like a warm hug in every bite.
It’s a cinch to make, which busy cooks appreciate. You don’t need fancy skills—just a pan and a little time. That ease makes it a weeknight winner.
Kids and adults alike can’t resist the melty cheese and rich sauce. It’s comfort food that brings the family together. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, stretching basic pantry staples into something delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses everyday items you probably have on hand. Nothing complicated—just good, simple stuff. Here’s what you’ll need.
- 1 pound ground beef (lean works best)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
You can swap the cheddar for mozzarella if you like. The broth adds extra flavor, but water works fine too.
Kitchen Tools for the Job
No special equipment is required here. Basic kitchen gear gets it done. Here’s what you’ll use.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (optional)
- Knife and cutting board
A lid for your skillet helps cook the pasta faster. If you don’t have one, a baking sheet can stand in.
How to Prepare Easy Homemade Cheesy Beefaroni
This dish comes together in about 40 minutes, all in one pan. It’s simple and cleanup is a breeze. Let’s get cooking.
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned—about 6-8 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. It’ll smell amazing and add depth to the dish. Don’t let it burn—keep stirring.
Step 3: Mix in the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and the water or broth. Mix it well so the pasta is coated in sauce. Bring it to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Dish
Cover the skillet with a lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be tender and the sauce thickened.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Stir it in for extra creaminess if you like.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Take the skillet off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle. Scoop it into bowls and enjoy while it’s hot.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Beefaroni
A few easy tweaks can make this dish even tastier. Here’s what works well.
- Use lean ground beef to cut down on grease—drain it if needed.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Stir in a handful of frozen peas or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Top with extra cheese and broil for 2 minutes for a crispy finish.
These ideas keep it flexible and fun. Make it your own with what you’ve got.
Serving Suggestions
This beefaroni stands strong on its own but pairs nicely with simple sides. Here’s how to enjoy it.
- Serve with a green salad and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Offer garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or carrots for a pop of veggies.
- Keep it casual with a sprinkle of parmesan on top.
It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in. Everyone will leave the table happy.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown for one serving, based on 6 servings total. It’s a filling dish, so portion sizes matter.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 26g |
This is an estimate and can vary with your ingredients. It’s a rich meal, so enjoy it as a treat.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers are a bonus with this recipe. Here’s how to keep them good.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze it for up to 2 months—use a freezer-safe dish. Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or on the stove with a splash of water.
The pasta might soak up sauce over time, but it still tastes great. Add a little broth when reheating if it’s too thick.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Easy Homemade Cheesy Beefaroni Recipe is all about comfort without the hassle. It ditches the processed stuff for a fresh, homemade taste that’s way better. The one-pan method keeps cleanup simple, which everyone loves.
The cheesy, beefy flavor hits all the right spots for a satisfying meal. It’s versatile enough to tweak and hearty enough to fill you up. That’s why it’s a standout in any recipe collection.
Summary
This Easy Homemade Cheesy Beefaroni Recipe is a quick, delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort dish. With ground beef, pasta, and melty cheese in a tangy tomato sauce, it’s ready in 40 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights and picky eaters alike.
It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like home. Make it once, and it’ll likely become a regular on your menu.
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, shells or rotini work great—just adjust cooking time if needed.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
Mix a pinch of oregano, basil, and thyme instead—it’ll do the trick.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Cook it fully, cool, and refrigerate—reheat when ready to eat.
How do I avoid mushy pasta?
Don’t overcook—check it at 12 minutes and stop when it’s tender.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely, it’s a leaner option and still tastes delicious.
Easy homemade Cheesy beefaroni recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (optional)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean works best
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned—about 6-8 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. It’ll smell amazing and add depth to the dish. Don’t let it burn—keep stirring.
Step 3: Mix in the Sauce
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and the water or broth. Mix it well so the pasta is coated in sauce. Bring it to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Dish
- Cover the skillet with a lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be tender and the sauce thickened.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Stir it in for extra creaminess if you like.
Step 7: Serve It Up
- Take the skillet off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle. Scoop it into bowls and enjoy while it’s hot.
