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This easy Beefaroni recipe features kid-favorite elbow macaroni stirred into a savory tomato sauce along with hearty ground beef and just a hint of spice for a fast, family-friendly meal. Make it with gluten free pasta in less than 30 minutes!
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: Stovetop
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free option, Dairy-free
- Skill Level: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Kids and adults love this hearty and comforting homemade beefaroni! It’s made with simple pantry and fridge staples. It also takes less than half an hour to make so you’ll quickly have a filling meal ready to go. Here’s why you’ll love this beefaroni recipe:
- Packed with flavor. The slight hint of chili powder in this recipe gives it a bit of spice – easily adjusted if you prefer more or less heat – while the tangy tomato sauce perfectly balances the richness of the meat.
- Easily made gluten free. If needed, use gluten free pasta to make this beefaroni recipe into an entirely gluten-free dish.
- Great for busy weeknights. Did I mention you’ll have a warming and filling meal on the table in 30 minutes or less? Just add a side salad and you’ll have a dinner that will make everyone happy.
As a mom of a 4 and 2 year old, I’m always looking for something that’s quick, filling and good for those days that seem longer than others. My family loved it! I made it as described, just added a little cheese on top at the finish. Definitely will make again! Truly a keeper! – Timea
What You’ll Need
Here’s the list of the ingredients needed to make this beefaroni recipe. The full ingredient amounts will be in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Macaroni: I use elbow macaroni. Feel free to use gluten free or regular pasta as needed.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil.
- Ground Beef: I like lean ground beef in this recipe.
- Onion: You can use a yellow or red onion.
- Salt and Pepper
- Tomato Sauce: Choose your favorite brand of tomato sauce or make homemade sauce!
- Chili Powder: Use more or less to taste.
How to Make Beefaroni
I’ve outlined this easy method for beefaroni below. The detailed instructions will be in the recipe card lower down.
- Cook pasta. Boil and drain the pasta.
- Brown meat. In a skillet, brown the beef with the onion, salt, and pepper.
- Combine. Add the pasta, beef, tomato sauce, and chili powder to the pot and stir together.
- Heat. Return the pot to the stove to heat through.
- Serve. Season the beefaroni with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
You don’t need to mess with a good thing, but if you keep to the basic principles of how to make beefaroni – fast! flexible! family friendly! – you can play around with a few of the ingredients with good results.
- Use gluten free pasta. My favorite brands of gluten-free pasta for this dish include Jovial or Barilla, which make gluten free elbow-shaped pasta.
- Try a different shape. You can try a different pasta shape in this beefaroni recipe, you’ll just want to make sure it has nooks and crannies to hold the sauce. Ziti, penne, or small shells are nice options.
- Change the meat. For a flavor change, try mild or spicy ground sausage instead of the ground beef. Or substitute ground turkey.
- Make it vegetarian. Easily make this into a vegetarian beefaroni with the addition of plant-based meat instead of the ground beef.
- Add vegetables. I love to throw in some sliced mushrooms when I cook the onion for extra flavor. Or I’ll stir in 2 cups of chopped baby spinach when I add the sauce.
- Throw in some cheese. To elevate beefaroni to the realm of pure comfort food, throw in some grated parmesan or fresh mozzarella cheese. Stir over low heat so that the cheese melts a little bit, then serve.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftover beefaroni, here’s what to do with it:
- Fridge – Place cooled beefaroni in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – If you make beefaroni with regular pasta, it will freeze well (gluten-free pasta doesn’t freeze well – it becomes mushy when thawed). Place portions in a freezer-safe sealable container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost the beefaroni completely in the fridge before reheating it.
- To Reheat – Place a serving of beefaroni in a microwave-safe dish, cover it to prevent any sauce splatter – and reheat it in the microwave for 1 minute, stir, then heat for another minute. You can also reheat beefaroni in a skillet over medium heat on the stove until heated through.
Make It A Meal
Round out your plate of beefaroni with a fresh salad or gluten free bread! Here are some of my favorite suggestions for what to serve with beefaroni:
- Add a salad. An Easy Greek Salad or Caprese Zoodles Salad are wonderful accompaniments to beefaroni! You could also make a crunchy Italian Wedge Salad or Winter Feta Fruit Salad to go alongside.
- A side of vegetables. Make easy Air Fryer Broccoli or flavorful Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli to go with beefaroni. Roasted or air fried asparagus are also nice options.
- Bread. Pick up a loaf of crusty, fresh bread, or make gluten free homemade bread! Serve beefaroni with Gluten Free Garlic Breadsticks or toasted slices of Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread for a homey touch.
More Easy Pasta Dishes
Beefaroni
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni (regular or gluten free)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 ¼ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 29 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (you can use more or less, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return to the pot. Add the beef, tomato sauce, and chili powder and stir together.
- Return the pot to the stove over medium heat until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Notes
Did you make this?
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I think I’ll increase the amount of pasta by ½ next time..