Description
Hearty beefaroni combines pasta and ground beef in a classic comfort dish beloved by families. Simple ingredients merge into a nostalgic meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup (100g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside, preserving the pasta’s perfect texture.
- Meat Browning: Heat skillet over medium-high and thoroughly brown ground beef, creating a caramelized exterior while breaking into fine crumbles.
- Aromatics Infusion: Add onions and garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence. Drain excess fat completely.
- Sauce Creation: Combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Unification Process: Integrate cooked macaroni into the robust meat sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is generously enrobed with the rich, seasoned mixture.
- Cheese Finale: Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the top, cover skillet, and reduce heat. Let cheese melt into a luxurious, creamy layer.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from heat, rest briefly, and plate. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
Notes
Choose Lean Beef: Select ground beef with 85-90% lean meat to minimize excess grease and create a healthier, cleaner-tasting dish without compromising rich flavor.
Control Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions, preventing mushy consistency and ensuring perfect pasta that absorbs sauce beautifully.
Balance Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce uncovered to naturally reduce and thicken, creating a rich, clingy coating that thoroughly embraces pasta and beef without becoming watery or runny.
Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during sauce preparation to introduce complex, robust undertones that elevate the overall taste profile of the beefaroni.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg