Introduction
Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort dish with this Homemade Beefaroni! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual hangout with friends, this cheesy, beefy goodness will have everyone asking for seconds. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 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 (for topping)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Directions
1. Cook those elbow macaroni noodles al dente according to package instructions. Drain and keep them waiting in the wings for their big moment.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as you go. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer together for 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in your cooked macaroni to combine everything into mouthwatering perfection!
5. Transfer your beefaroni mix to a greased baking dish, then blanket it with a glorious layer of mozzarella cheese.
6. Pop your dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is deliciously melted and bubbly.
7. Serve it hot, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color or a dash of red pepper flakes for some extra heat if you’re feeling daring!
Nutritional Information
Approximate calculations per serving:
Calories: 400 kcal; Protein: 30g; Carbohydrates: 45g; Fat: 15g; Sodium: 800mg.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the macaroni
Cook the elbow macaroni noodles al dente according to package instructions. Drain and keep them waiting in the wings for their big moment.
Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as you go. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 3: Add the sauces and spices
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer together for 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Combine with macaroni
Stir in your cooked macaroni to combine everything into mouthwatering perfection!
Step 5: Prepare for baking
Transfer your beefaroni mix to a greased baking dish, then blanket it with a glorious layer of mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Pop your dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is deliciously melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Serve it hot, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color or a dash of red pepper flakes for some extra heat if you’re feeling daring!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Variations
Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Cook techniques
Cooking Elbow Macaroni
For perfect al dente elbow macaroni, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes. Make sure to taste a piece before draining. It should be firm to the bite but not hard.
Browning Ground Beef
To brown ground beef, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until it is well-browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Sautéing Vegetables
When sautéing onion and garlic, add them to the skillet once the beef is browned. Cook over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic, which can become bitter.
Simmering Sauce
After adding tomatoes and seasonings, allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes. This helps the flavors develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Baking with Cheese
To achieve a deliciously melted cheese topping, spread shredded mozzarella evenly over the beefaroni mix in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, usually 20-25 minutes.
FAQ
Can I substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative to ground beef. The flavors will still be delicious!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beefaroni mix in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving.
Can I freeze leftover beefaroni?
Yes, beefaroni freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I use if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
You can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even shells, depending on your preference.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Conclusion
