Quick & Creamy Homemade Beefaroni for Dinner

If you’re craving something nostalgic, cozy, and undeniably satisfying, Homemade Beefaroni is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. This dish takes all the flavors you loved as a kid—elbow macaroni smothered in a creamy, savory tomato-cheddar sauce with tender ground beef—and transforms them into a homemade comfort food masterpiece. Rich, cheesy, and loaded with hearty goodness, Homemade Beefaroni is the kind of quick recipe that everyone at the table will request again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about Homemade Beefaroni is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every item brings its own magic to the party, building layers of flavor and comfort that make this dish unforgettable.

• Macaroni: The classic shape for beefaroni! Its nooks and crannies catch all that creamy sauce.
• Lean Ground Beef: Adds hearty substance and soaks up the seasonings for a seriously savory bite.
• Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: The foundation for any great flavor combo—they make every ingredient shine.
• Yellow Onion: Sautéed onion delivers sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Don’t skip this! It makes the aromas absolutely irresistible.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a fresh finish that brightens up each serving.
• Beef Broth: Adds rich, hearty undertones and helps create that velvety sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: The backbone of the classic tangy tomato flavor in every bite.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This adds luscious smoothness and richness to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Secret umami! It deepens the savory flavor beautifully.
• Tomato Paste: For concentrated tomato flavor and a lovely thick texture.
• Italian Seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs for a touch of the Mediterranean in your sauce.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for that signature creamy-cheesy factor.

How to Make Homemade Beefaroni

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This keeps your pasta delightfully tender but not mushy once it’s folded into the sauce. Drain well and set aside—you’ll add it back in later for that magical, saucy finish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion

Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Crumble in your ground beef and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, using a spatula to break it into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle in the salt, cracked black pepper, and diced onion, then sauté for another 5-6 minutes. The beef should be mostly cooked and the onion soft and fragrant, forming the base of your Homemade Beefaroni.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Toss the minced garlic into the skillet and let it cook for about a minute. When that garlicky aroma hits your nose, you know it’s just right! If there’s extra grease in the pan, go ahead and drain it off before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Now for the sauce that takes this dish over the top! Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir so all the flavors start blending together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low and let it cook for 7-10 minutes until slightly thickened and oh-so-aromatic.

Step 5: Combine and Add Cheese

It’s time for the grand finale! Add the drained macaroni right into the skillet and stir gently to coat every noodle in the rich, creamy tomato sauce. Lower the heat and sprinkle in that mountain of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly combined. Spoon it up while it’s hot and melty!

How to Serve Homemade Beefaroni

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the magic of a fresh garnish! Sprinkle minced basil or parsley over your Homemade Beefaroni just before serving for a burst of color and a pop of herbal freshness that brings the whole dish to life.

Side Dishes

This meal is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round things out, serve with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans also pair wonderfully, making your dinner feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon Homemade Beefaroni into individual ramekins, top with a bit more cheese, and slide under the broiler until bubbly and lightly browned. Or serve it family-style straight from the skillet—because sometimes the most comforting food looks best just as it is, ready for everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Homemade Beefaroni stores beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day lunch irresistible!

Freezing

Want to enjoy this comfort food later? Homemade Beefaroni freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave single portions until piping hot, stirring halfway through for even heat. Or warm larger portions gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy texture and keep everything luscious and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for Homemade Beefaroni?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, other small pastas like penne, shells, or rotini work just as well. You may need to adjust cooking times for different shapes, but the hearty sauce will coat them all beautifully.

Is there a way to make Homemade Beefaroni lighter?

You can easily lighten things up by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. Reduced-fat cheese also melts nicely, although the texture will be a bit less rich.

How spicy is this dish?

Homemade Beefaroni is generally mild and kid-friendly, but feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you crave extra heat!

Can I make Homemade Beefaroni gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check labels on your broth and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free. The sauce comes out just as creamy and dreamy with gluten-free noodles.

What’s the best way to shred cheese for this recipe?

For the creamiest results, shred your cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. It’s a little extra work but totally worth it for that melty, gooey finish!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give Homemade Beefaroni a try and see just how much comfort—and joy—a single skillet meal can bring. Share it with family, friends, or just make a cozy bowl for yourself when you need some edible nostalgia. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a dish that’s both easy and absolutely delicious!

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