The Best Homemade Beefaroni

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you prefer, turkey or even lentils (for a vegetarian twist) can be great substitutes.

Onion: A small onion is perfect, but you can swap it for shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.

Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste: If you’re out of tomato paste, simply use more sauce or blended fresh tomatoes. It’s a great way to customize thickness!

Pasta: While elbow macaroni is classic, you could use any pasta shape you like, such as small shells or fusilli. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Italian Seasoning: Don’t have this mix? Dried oregano, basil, and thyme can work well as alternatives. Adjust to your taste!

How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor When Browning Meat and Onions?

Browning ground beef with onions and garlic is key to flavor in this recipe. The goal is to caramelize the onions while cooking the beef. Here’s how to do it right:

• Heat your skillet over medium heat before adding the beef.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic directly into the skillet when the beef is halfway browned for even cooking.
• Break up the meat and stir continuously to avoid sticking and uneven cooking.
• Once cooked, drain excess grease to prevent a greasy sauce.
• This step not only enhances flavor but also gives your beefaroni a delicious aroma!

The Best Homemade Beefaroni

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Beefaroni:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of 25 minutes to enjoy a delicious homemade Beefaroni!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook everything together until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes translucent. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease so your Beefaroni doesn’t get too oily!

2. Mix in the Sauces:

Next, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.

3. Add the Elbow Macaroni:

It’s time to add the elbow macaroni! Stir everything together so the pasta is nicely coated in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the macaroni to be tender and cooked through, soaking up all the flavors.

4. Finish Off (Optional):

If you love cheese, feel free to stir in the grated Parmesan for an extra delicious touch just before serving!

5. Garnish and Serve:

When your Beefaroni is ready, serve it warm on your favorite plates. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for that lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your homemade Beefaroni!

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you want a leaner option. Just sauté it in the same way as you would the beef, but keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey might cook a bit faster. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Beef Broth?

If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives. They will alter the flavor slightly but will still work well in the recipe. Just ensure you adjust the seasoning based on how salty your broth is.

Can I Make Beefaroni Gluten-Free?