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Hearty Beefaroni Recipe Easy and Cozy Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes

hearty beefaroni recipe - featured image

A quick and comforting beefaroni recipe that combines lean ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni (regular or whole wheat)
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425g) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
  • Red pepper flakes, optional for heat

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450g) of ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until onions soften and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1 can (15 ounces / 425g) tomato sauce and 1 cup (240ml) beef broth. Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add the drained elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes to marry the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce. If it looks too thick, splash in a bit more broth.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. If desired, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta in boiling water as it will continue cooking when simmered with sauce. Add extra broth or water if sauce thickens too much. Brown beef well for flavor. Stir pasta gently into sauce to avoid mushiness. Season in layers for best taste. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken with added seasoning. Gluten-free pasta can be used. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: beefaroni, beef pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal, hearty pasta, ground beef recipe