Description
Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and family-friendliness? This Beefaroni recipe is it. Packed with tender elbow pasta, seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, this one-pot wonder comes together fast and satisfies big. Perfect for easy dinner ideas, family meals, or when you need food ideas that are budget-friendly and hearty, this dish is a nostalgic classic that delivers every single time. If you’re hunting for a quick meal, kid-friendly dinner, or a one-skillet pasta dish, this is your go-to.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir in paprika and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Cover for a few minutes until melted. Stir and serve hot.
Notes
Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the pasta creamy.
For a spicier kick, stir in crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne during the simmer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg