Delicious Beefaroni Recipe (Easy Homemade Beefaroni)

Our quick and easy Beefaroni recipe is packed with savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. We’ve simplified this recipe so it’s just as easy as making it from a box, but this homemade version of your childhood classic is a hearty and wholesome meal the entire family will love.

 

Homemade Beefaroni Recipe

If you grew up loving Chef Boyardee Beefaroni, you’ll adore this homemade version. It has all those same classic flavors you remember but with a fresh, homemade touch. The combination of savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and a creamy tomato sauce creates the ultimate comfort meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or family gatherings.  

This easy-to-make beefaroni has irresistible layers of flavors and textures, topped with melted cheddar for an extra cheesy richness. It’s a simple recipe that turns a handful of everyday, fresh ingredients into a delicious, hearty meal that’s so much better than any store-bought version. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. For other skillet pasta meals, you should also try this Buffalo Chicken Pasta or this Creamy Beef and Shells.

Ingredients to Make Beefaroni

For the Beefaroni

• Elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked – Gives the dish that classic beefaroni texture.
• Lean ground beef – Juicy, savory, cooked beef is the hearty base.
• Seasonings – We used a simple combination of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
• Yellow onion, diced – Adds a touch of natural sweetness.
• Fresh garlic cloves, minced – Enhances the robust flavors.
• Fresh chopped basil or parsley – Added for optional garnish before serving.

For the Sauce

• Beef broth – Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Tomato sauce – Provides a tangy, flavorful base.
• Heavy whipping cream – Gives the sauce a creamy, luscious texture.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds another layer of flavor.
• Tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Italian seasoning – Adds flavor to the sauce.
• Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce for extra cheesy goodness.

Kitchen Tools

• Cutting board
• Knife 
• Large pot 
• Pasta strainer 
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons
• Large skillet 
• Cheese box grater 
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Can opener 
• Serving bowls or plates. 

How to Make Easy Homemade Beefaroni

Step One: Cook the Pasta

• Cook the macaroni pasta according to package directions to al dente. Drain and set aside. 

Step Two: Sauté the Beef

• Heat a large cast iron skillet or other heavy bottom skillet, over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula while it cooks. Add salt, pepper, and onions, saute for 5-6 minutes. 
• Add garlic to the cooked beef and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant. Drain grease if needed. 

Step Three: Add the Sauce Ingredients

• Add broth, tomato sauce, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning to the same skillet with the ground meat. Stir to combine. Simmer for 7-10 minutes on medium-low heat. 

Step Four: Add the Pasta

• Add tender pasta and stir until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Lower the heat and add cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
• Serve garnished with fresh basil or fresh parsley.

Tip: If possible, grate the cheese fresh from the block. It will melt much easier than buying prepackaged shredded cheddar.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beefaroni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat over medium heat in a skillet.   

Recipe Variations and Add-ins

• Pasta – Bowtie, shells, rotini, and penne are all other great options. You can also use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.  
• Protein – Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.   
• Garlic – You could use 2 teaspoons of garlic powder instead of 3 garlic cloves if you prefer. Alternatively, roasted garlic can add a deeper, sweeter flavor, or garlic salt can provide both garlic flavor and additional seasoning.
• Spices and other seasonings – Onion powder is a great option, or for a little heat, try adding chili powder or red pepper flakes. Smoked paprika can add a smoky depth of flavor.
• Cheese – Parmesan cheese, mild or white shredded cheddar cheese, or mozzarella cheese can be used instead of sharp cheddar. For a more intense flavor, try Asiago or Gruyere, or for a creamy finish, stir in some cream cheese or ricotta.
• Fresh veggies – Add bell peppers for extra color and crunch. You can also mix in spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or peas to boost the nutritional value and add more texture to the dish.

What Can I Serve with This Easy Beefaroni Recipe?

• Salads – Fresh garden salad or Caesar salad. You can also try a spinach salad with a light vinaigrette or a tangy Greek salad with feta and olives.
• Roasted or grilled vegetables – Green beans, corn, broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are all wonderful healthy sides. Grilled zucchini, asparagus, or roasted bell peppers also make great side dishes.
• Sides – Salty potato chips, French fries, or sweet potato fries. Consider adding onion rings or tater tots for a fun and tasty side dish.
• Breads – Garlic bread, cheesy bread, or garlic knots. You could also serve crusty baguette slices, buttery dinner rolls, or herb focaccia.

Beefaroni VS Goulash

Beefaroni is an American pasta dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a simple tomato-based sauce, often with cheese. In contrast, goulash, particularly the American version, also includes ground beef and pasta but tends to have more complex seasonings, like paprika, and may include vegetables like peppers and onions. Traditional Hungarian goulash, however, is a stew made with chunks of beef, vegetables, and paprika, served without pasta.

Recipe FAQ’s

Other Pasta Dishes

• Buffalo Chicken Pasta
• Roasted Tomato Pasta
• Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
• Leftover Turkey Casserole
• Classic Italian Lasagna
• Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Hamburger Casserole