beefaroni

How to Make the Best Beefaroni Ever

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Beefaroni is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It is a hearty dish of ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. It is easy to make and budget-friendly. I will show you how to make the best beefaroni ever in six simple steps. You will need the following ingredients and tools:

Ingredients Beefaroni 

  • 1 pound of lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon of basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of thyme
  • 1 can of tomato soup (10.75 oz)
  • 1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz)
  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 cups of elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Cooking Instructions Beefaroni 

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
  • In a large pot over high heat, bring the tomato soup, tomato sauce, and water to a boil. Add the macaroni and stir well. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Spoon half of the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the beef layer. Repeat with the remaining beef and cheese.
  • Bake the beefaroni for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let the beefaroni rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage

  • You can serve the beefaroni as it is or with some salad, bread, or vegetables on the side. It is a filling and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
  • You can store the leftover beefaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the beefaroni for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information

  • One serving of beefaroni (1/8 of the recipe) has about 400 calories, 18 grams of fat, 23 grams of protein, 38 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fiber.
  • Beefaroni is a good source of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin C. However, it is also high in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol. To make the recipe more nutritious, you can use leaner ground beef, low-sodium tomato soup and sauce, whole wheat macaroni, and reduced-fat cheese.

Variations

  • You can customize the beefaroni recipe according to your preferences and tastes. For example, you can add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, mushrooms, or peppers, to the beef mixture. Or you can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or Monterey jack, for the topping. Or you can spice up the dish with some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cumin.
  • You can also make the beefaroni vegetarian or vegan by using plant-based ground meat, cheese, and tomato soup. Or you can omit the meat and cheese altogether and use more vegetables and beans for protein and fiber.

FAQ

What is the difference between beefaroni and goulash?

Beefaroni and goulash are similar dishes, but they have some differences. Is made with tomato soup and sauce, while goulash is made with beef broth and paprika. Beefaroni is baked in the oven, while goulash is cooked on the stovetop. Beefaroni is more cheesy, while goulash is more spicy.

How do I make beefaroni in a slow cooker?

You can make beefaroni in a slow cooker by following these steps:

      • Cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, and seasonings in a skillet until browned and drain the fat.
      • Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker and add the tomato soup, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well.
      • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
      • Add the macaroni and cheese and stir well. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes or until the macaroni is tender and the cheese is melted.

How do I make beefaroni from scratch?

You can make beefaroni from scratch by making your own tomato sauce and macaroni. Find many recipes online for homemade tomato sauce and macaroni. You will need to adjust the amounts and measurements of the ingredients according to your recipe. Also need to cook the tomato sauce and macaroni separately before combining them with the beef and cheese and baking them in the oven.