Homemade Beefaroni

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade Beefaroni is a comforting and delicious dish that’s easy to make and loved by many. It combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce, making it a perfect meal for families. This recipe is not only simple but also uses common ingredients that are often found in your kitchen. It’s great for busy weeknights or when you want something hearty and satisfying.

How to Make Homemade Beefaroni

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 24 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 8 ounces ziti
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, cooking until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add in the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Discard any extra fat from the skillet.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
5. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and sugar. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the dried pasta and beef broth. Stir to ensure the pasta is covered with liquid.
7. Turn up the heat to bring it to a boil. Then, reduce to medium heat, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the pasta is tender.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer on low for 8-10 minutes.
9. Finally, add fresh chopped parsley or basil and serve!

How to Serve Homemade Beefaroni

Serve Homemade Beefaroni hot, right from the skillet. You can pair it with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch!

How to Store Homemade Beefaroni

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Tips to Make Homemade Beefaroni

• For extra flavor, let the beef mixture simmer longer after adding the tomato sauce.
• You can use any short pasta, like macaroni or penne, if you don’t have ziti.
• Add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a healthier dish.

Variation

You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat. Just follow the same steps to create a hearty meatless meal!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Homemade Beefaroni?
Yes, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

2. Can I use a different type of sauce?
Absolutely! You can use marinara sauce, homemade tomato sauce, or even a creamy alfredo sauce for a different flavor.

3. What can I add to customize this dish?
Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or carrots. You can also add more spices or herbs to suit your taste!