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Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Let me share with you my delicious Homemade Beefaroni recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. This comforting dish requires a prep time of 15 minutes, a cook time of 45 minutes, for a total time of 1 hour. It serves 6 people and is of moderate difficulty, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Homemade Beefaroni is a classic Italian-American dish that combines the flavors of hearty ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta. This homemade version elevates the traditional canned Beefaroni with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch.
Bringing together the goodness of beef and pasta in a single dish, this recipe is both satisfying and delicious. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting meal.
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to make, this Homemade Beefaroni is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
To make Homemade Beefaroni, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or by using different types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions to create this Homemade Beefaroni.
Step-by-step Instructions
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add the elbow macaroni and stir to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Your Homemade Beefaroni is now ready to be enjoyed!
Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish.
2. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
3. Cheesy Variation: Mix in additional cheese like cheddar or provolone before serving for an extra cheesy Beefaroni experience.
Expert Tips & Tricks
1. For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground Italian sausage.
2. Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy.
3. Let the Beefaroni rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days.
5. Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile of the dish.
Storage & Make-ahead Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through.
You can also prepare the Beefaroni ahead of time and freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information/Benefits
Homemade Beefaroni is a balanced meal that provides protein from the beef, essential vitamins from the tomatoes, and carbohydrates from the pasta. This dish is a great source of energy and nutrients for your body.
One serving of Homemade Beefaroni contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your Homemade Beefaroni with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or breadsticks are also great options for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Pair this hearty meal with a glass of red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for a complete dining experience.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta in place of traditional elbow macaroni to make this recipe gluten-free.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Certainly! You can use fresh tomatoes, diced and peeled, in place of canned tomatoes for a fresher taste.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning the beef and onions first, then adding all ingredients to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 4-6 hours.
Q: How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
A: To make it more appealing to kids, consider adding a sprinkle of grated cheese on top or serving it with a side of steamed vegetables.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and adjust the cooking time accordingly to feed a larger group.
Conclusion
Homemade Beefaroni is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
Try out this Homemade Beefaroni recipe and share your culinary creations with us. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later on Pinterest and spread the joy of homemade cooking!
Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
A comforting and flavorful Homemade Beefaroni recipe that combines hearty ground beef, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese. This Italian-American classic is elevated with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the elbow macaroni and stir to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Homemade Beefaroni is now ready to be enjoyed!
