Name: Beefaroni Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ cup yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; ½ beef bouillon cube; 8 oz. tomato sauce; 1 ½ cups beef broth; ½ cup half and half; ¾ teaspoon dried oregano; ¾ teaspoon dried basil; ¾ teaspoon dried parsley; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ lb. macaroni (about 2 cups dry); ½ tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that combines the best of cheesy pasta and savory ground beef, you’re going to fall in love with this Beefaroni Recipe. Imagine tender macaroni pasta bathed in a rich, velvety sauce loaded with melted cheddar, tomato, and just the right blend of spices, all brought together with perfectly cooked ground beef and onions. This dish is a nostalgic hug on a plate, simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this Beefaroni Recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two images side by side show the cooking process of ground meat with onions in a silver pan on a white marbled surface. The left image shows raw ground meat with red and pink colors mixed with white chopped onions on the bottom half of the pan, with some parts of the meat slightly cooked and brown. The right image shows the same pan after cooking, where the meat is fully browned and crumbly with a uniform light brown color, mixed evenly with softened translucent white onions. The pan has a long handle and a loop at the opposite side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look familiar, but each one plays an essential role in creating that classic, comforting Beefaroni flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the smooth cheddar cheese, every component brings something special to the table.

1 lb. ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds savory richness to the dish.

Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the beef and sauce.
½ cup yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it sautés alongside the beef.
3 tablespoons butter: Provides a luscious, creamy foundation for the sauce.

3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
2 tablespoons flour: Creates a roux that thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a rich color and tang.

2 cups cheddar cheese: Melts into a velvety, gooey layer of cheesy goodness.
½ lb. macaroni (about 2 cups): The classic pasta shape that soaks up every bit of sauce.
1 ½ cups beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce moist and flavorful.

8 oz. tomato sauce: Provides acidity and balances the richness of the cheese and beef.
½ cup half and half: Adds creaminess that makes the sauce silky smooth.
1 teaspoon soy sauce: A subtle umami boost that amplifies the beefy flavor.

1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Adds a gentle tang to brighten the sauce.
1 teaspoon ketchup: Brings a touch of sweetness and depth.
½ beef bouillon cube: Concentrates savory notes for that meaty backbone in the sauce.

¾ teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and parsley: A fragrant herb mix that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.

How to Make Beefaroni Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Ingredients

Start by combining all the sauce ingredients—beef broth, tomato sauce, half and half, soy sauce, mustard, ketchup, bouillon cube, and dried herbs—in a large measuring cup with a spout. Setting these aside makes the next steps smoother and helps keep your cooking organized.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions

Season the ground beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the beef. Cook and crumble it for about 3 minutes before adding the diced onions. Continue to sauté everything for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the onions have softened. Drain any excess grease and set the beef and onion mixture aside.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While your beef and onions are cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add half a tablespoon of salt and cook the macaroni until it’s al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. When ready, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

Step 4: Make the Roux

In the same skillet you used for the beef, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, then sprinkle in the flour and tomato paste. Stir constantly to combine, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. This will develop a flavorful base while thickening the sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Sauce Mixture Gradually

Slowly pour the reserved sauce mixture into the roux in small splashes, stirring continuously. This gradual addition prevents lumps and helps the sauce stay thick and creamy. Once all the liquid is combined, bring the sauce to a boil.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce and Prepare for Cheese

Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook uncovered while you finish boiling the pasta. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent sticking.

Step 7: Stir in the Cheese

Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese bit by bit into the sauce, stirring continuously so it melts evenly. This step is where the sauce transforms into a rich, cheesy masterpiece. You can hold back a little cheese if you like to sprinkle on top just before serving.

Step 8: Combine Beef Mixture and Pasta

Add the cooked ground beef and onions back into the sauce, stirring well to combine all the flavors. Then gently fold in the cooked macaroni, making sure each pasta piece is coated with that luscious sauce.

Step 9: Final Melting and Serve

If you reserved some cheese, sprinkle it over the top now. Cover the skillet with a lid for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt perfectly. Dish it out immediately and prepare for some serious comfort food magic!

How to Serve Beefaroni Recipe

A white bowl is filled with three layers of creamy macaroni and beef mixture. The bottom layer has soft, light orange elbow pasta mixed with brown ground beef. The middle layer is a melted, shiny orange cheese that stretches over the pasta and beef. The top layer has small bits of parsley sprinkled over the cheese, adding a touch of green. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, capturing a cozy, warm meal look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Beefaroni Recipe, nothing beats a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a scattering of extra shredded cheddar cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream or a few sliced green onions for pops of creaminess and freshness that balance the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to bring brightness and texture contrasts. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect companions, great for mopping up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, bake the Beefaroni in an oven-safe dish topped with breadcrumbs and extra cheese until golden and bubbly for a comforting casserole style. You can also serve it in small portions inside baked bell peppers for a colorful, crowd-pleasing presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Beefaroni keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to keep the flavors fresh and prevent condensation from making the pasta soggy.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, portion the Beefaroni into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months and is a lifesaver for quick meals on busy days.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to heat evenly without drying out the cheesy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Beefaroni Recipe?

Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, elbow, shells, or small penne all work well. Just make sure to adjust cooking time based on the pasta’s shape and size to keep it al dente.

Is there a way to make this Beefaroni recipe healthier?

You can lighten it up by using lean ground beef or swapping half of the ground beef for ground turkey. Using reduced-fat cheese and low-fat half and half will also cut some calories without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Can I make Beefaroni Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and add vegetable broth in place of beef broth. The combination of spices and cheddar cheese keeps it hearty and flavorful.

What is the best way to melt cheese smoothly in this recipe?

Gradually adding shredded cheese while stirring the hot sauce helps it melt evenly without clumping. Avoid high heat after adding cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating.

Can the Beefaroni Recipe be made in advance for meal prep?

Definitely! Prep the entire dish and store portions in meal prep containers. It reheats beautifully and actually tastes even better as flavors meld after a day or two in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Beefaroni Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like home on a plate: cheesy, comforting, and packed with savory goodness. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to comfort food classic!