Easy homemade Cheesy beefaroni recipe
This Easy Homemade Cheesy Beefaroni Recipe is a comforting one-pan dish with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a cheesy tomato sauce. It’s a quick, hearty meal ready in 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights. The homemade twist elevates a classic favorite with simple, fresh ingredients.
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.