When comfort food calls, this Beefaroni Pasta answers fast. It’s saucy, beefy, and layered with Italian-inspired herbs—perfect for family dinners or a weeknight meal that feels like home. Made in one pot with simple pantry staples, it’s a true budget-friendly classic that delivers nostalgia in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Beefaroni Pasta
This simple pasta dinner brings classic flavor and cozy satisfaction in just 30 minutes.
- One-pot recipe = minimal cleanup
- Rich, tomato-based sauce
- Hearty, filling, and family-approved
- Freezes beautifully for meal prep
- Easily customizable with extra veggies or cheese
- A taste of old-school home cooking
I remember making this after long days on the road, just craving something warm and familiar. This dish brings back those diner-style flavors I grew up with—savory beef, tangy tomato, and a touch of herbs that make it feel homemade every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Beefaroni Pasta
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp dried rosemary
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 14 oz tomato sauce
- 1 lb elbow noodles
Optional Add-Ons Or Substitutes
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra depth
- Swap elbow noodles for rotini or penne
- Stir in shredded mozzarella before serving for a creamy version
- Try Tomato Burrata Pasta for an elevated twist
- Substitute beef with ground turkey for a leaner take
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this classic Beefaroni is as easy as it gets—just brown, simmer, and stir.
- Cook The Beef:
Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. (Drain excess fat if needed.) - Add Seasonings:
Stir in basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. (This blend gives the sauce that Italian comfort flavor.) - Build The Sauce:
Add tomato paste and stir for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. - Cook The Pasta:
In a separate pot, boil elbow noodles until al dente. Drain and add directly to the sauce. - Combine And Serve:
Toss until every noodle is coated in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Quick reminders:
- Don’t overcook noodles—they’ll finish in the sauce.
- Add a splash of pasta water if sauce gets too thick.
- Finish with a sprinkle of cheese or herbs before serving.
- Serve warm for maximum comfort.
Expert Tips For Success
Simple touches elevate this Beefaroni from good to great.
- Use 80/20 beef for rich flavor and moisture.
- Toast tomato paste before adding liquids—it enhances umami.
- Simmer sauce gently to develop flavor.
- Add a dash of Worcestershire for savory depth.
- Serve with Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese or salad for balance.
- Double the recipe—it freezes like a dream.
- Garnish with Parmesan and parsley for restaurant-style presentation.
Every time I make this, it feels like one of those simple meals that brings everyone to the table—no fancy ingredients, just real food and real flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Beefaroni pairs beautifully with sides or stands strong on its own.
- Serve with a crisp Caesar salad
- Add Mini Quiche for variety at potlucks
- Pair with Rattlesnake Pasta for a spicy option
- Add garlic bread or rolls for a filling dinner
- Top with melted mozzarella and broil for a cheesy finish
Storing And Reheating
This pasta stores well and tastes even better the next day.
How To Store It
- Cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months.
- Label containers for easy reheating later.
How To Reheat It
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or sauce.
- Microwave at medium heat in 30-second intervals.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle cheese while reheating for extra flavor.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 29 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it actually gets better as flavors blend overnight.
Can I use other meats?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great.
What’s the best pasta type?
Elbows are classic, but shells or rotini hold sauce well too.
Final Thoughts
This Beefaroni Pasta is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients, rich tomato flavor, and that nostalgic texture, it’s everything a home-cooked meal should be—hearty, satisfying, and straight from the heart.
- Keep it simple and flavorful with quality ingredients
- Make extra—it reheats like a dream
- Serve with love and a sprinkle of cheese
Beefaroni Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato paste and stir for 1–2 minutes. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate pot, boil elbow noodles until al dente. Drain and add to sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce until fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- No pork included.
- Ground beef can be swapped with turkey for a leaner version.
- Optionally add mozzarella or vegetables for variation.
