Description
Hearty Italian-American Beefaroni combines ground beef and pasta in a comforting childhood favorite. Home cooks can quickly prepare this nostalgic dish with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453 g) ground beef
- 2 cups (473 ml) elbow macaroni
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz / 227 g) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and position rack in the center for even heating.
- Pasta Foundation: Cook elbow macaroni in generously salted water until al dente, drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing residual moisture to evaporate.
- Meat Transformation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef, methodically breaking it into fine crumbles while developing a rich, caramelized exterior. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
- Sauce Composition: Introduce diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the meat mixture. Season with dried oregano, basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 6-8 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Assembly and Baking: Fold cooked macaroni into the robust meat sauce, ensuring complete and even coating. Transfer to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading mixture uniformly. Blanket the surface with shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a tempting golden layer.
- Final Touches: Bake for 22-26 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and slightly golden. Rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni al dente to prevent mushiness and ensure a satisfying texture that holds up in the sauce.
- Meat Browning Technique: Cook ground beef on medium-high heat, breaking into small pieces for maximum caramelization and flavor development.
- Sauce Simmering Secret: Allow sauce to simmer slowly, giving herbs and tomatoes time to blend and intensify their rich, complex flavors.
- Cheese Melting Magic: Sprinkle cheese evenly and bake until golden and bubbly for a crispy, irresistible top layer that adds creamy richness to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg