Classic Beefaroni

Few dishes bring back the comforting memories of home like a hearty beefaroni. Not only is it simple to make, but its cheesy, savory flavors make it a hit with both adults and children alike. Today, I’ll walk you through how to prepare this classic dish, ensuring it turns out perfectly every time. Here’s everything you need to know to whip up a delicious beefaroni that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is ready to go by the time your beefaroni is assembled.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually involves boiling the pasta for about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside.
3. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Aromatics: To the skillet with the beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these until the onion becomes translucent—this will add a layer of flavor that’s crucial to a great beefaroni.
5. Simmer with Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, which lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Mix the cooked macaroni into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. This is your chance to make sure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
7. Bake with Cheese: Transfer the beefaroni to a greased baking dish and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This step not only melts the cheese but also helps the flavors combine under the heat.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your beefaroni hot, ideally garnished with fresh parsley if you have it on hand. This adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories: 620 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Beefaroni is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you simply need something comforting. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find it becomes a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!