Homemade Beefaroni is a nostalgic comfort food that kids and adults alike will love. You need only few simple ingredients and half an hour to get this easy weeknight dinner on the table. Keep scrolling for the recipe.
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There are nights when I want to spend lots of time on a new, exciting recipe, and then there are nights when I want something nostalgic, comforting, and easy. On those nights, I make my Homemade Beefaroni. One bite of this sends me right back to the Chef Boyardee canned classic — except my version is (in my humble opinion) so much better. Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. Especially when it’s served alongside a piece of garlic bread!
Now, it might not be *quite* as simple as cracking open a can, but it’s close. You only need around a half an hour of time and a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. Truly, there is nothing I love more than an easy weeknight dinner that leaves you satisfied. Bonus on this one: It’s packed with protein from the ground beef. Below you can find some simple swaps to make this even higher in protein and fiber as well as gluten-free.
PrintHomemade Beefaroni – Easy and Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Homemade Beefaroni is a nostalgic comfort food that kids and adults alike will love. You need only few simple ingredients and half an hour to get this easy weeknight dinner on the table.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry elbow pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 shallots, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound grass-fed ground beef
- 30 oz canned tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- shredded or grated parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
- fresh parsley for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta as directed in salted water until al dente
- Heat a large pan/skillet to medium heat and add olive oil, shallot & garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent
- Add ground beef to pan. Break up and cook until fully browned
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste and all spices. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes
- Add drained pasta to the pan and combine well
- Serve immediately topped with parmesan cheese and/or fresh parsley
Keywords: easy homemade beefaroni recipe, easy weeknight dinner recipe, one pot beefaroni recipe, one pan beefaroni recipe, healthy beefaroni recipe, healthy kid dinner recipes
Ingredients and Substitutions for Homemade Beefaroni
Can I make this Homemade Beefaroni gluten-free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, swap the pasta for a gluten-free option. You can also use any of your favorite gluten-free (corn, brown rice, etc.) pastas.
What other kinds of pasta could I use?
For high protein and high fiber you can use a bean-based pasta like Banza and Barilla.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, instead of ground beef a ground bison or ground turkey would work great in this recipe.
A note on using cheese in this Beefaroni
Classic Beefaroni does not include cheese, but I love topping it with some shredded parmesan cheese. It would also be delicious with the addition of a shredded cheddar cheese or shredded mozzarella mixed in.
To pack in more nutrients, add in spinach or another leafy green vegetable.
This recipe is super easy to double, which is great because 1) everyone is going to want seconds and 2) it makes the best leftovers! You can also freeze it and reheat without changing the flavor.
If you make this Homemade Beefaroni, then I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest!
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This was so delicious! I also added diced celery and a teaspoon of onion powder into the sauce. Will absolutely make this again.
★★★★★