Ingredients
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Cheese
- 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
Pasta
- ½ lb. macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
- ½ tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Ingredients: Combine ketchup, soy sauce, yellow mustard, beef broth, tomato sauce, half and half, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, parsley, and half a beef bouillon cube in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the beef, and cook while crumbling for 3 minutes. Add the diced onions and continue cooking until the beef is thoroughly cooked and onions are softened, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess grease and transfer the meat mixture to a plate temporarily.
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add ½ tablespoon of salt. Cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux and Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, flour, and tomato paste, stirring constantly to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux and develop flavor.
- Add the Sauce Mixture Gradually: Slowly pour the sauce mixture into the skillet in small splashes while stirring continuously. This method helps prevent the roux from breaking and ensures the sauce thickens properly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Allow it to simmer uncovered while preparing the pasta, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously to melt and evenly distribute. Reserve some cheese for optional topping later.
- Combine Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked ground beef and onions to the sauce and stir well. Then, add the drained macaroni pasta and mix until everything is well coated and combined.
- Melt the Remaining Cheese and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top, cover with a lid briefly to melt the cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Beefaroni!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and calories.
- Reserve some cheddar cheese for topping and melting on top just before serving.
- The beef bouillon cube adds depth to the sauce but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a creamier sauce, you can substitute half and half with whole milk or cream.
- To make this dish gluten free, use gluten-free flour and macaroni.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American