Homemade Beefaroni: A Comforting, Creamy Pasta Dream
There’s something magical about a dish that brings back childhood memories while still feeling indulgent enough for a weeknight dinner. This Homemade Beefaroni is my love letter to comfort food—a rich, meaty, creamy pasta dish that hugs your soul with every bite.
I first made this for my niece, a notoriously picky eater who wrinkled her nose at anything “too saucy.” But one bite of this tender ziti swimming in a velvety beef-tomato sauce, and she was hooked. Now, it’s her most-requested meal when she visits. That’s the power of Homemade Beefaroni—it turns skeptics into believers.
Why You’ll Love This
✔ Comfort in a bowl – Hearty, creamy, and packed with savory beef flavor.
✔ One-pot wonder – Less cleanup, more time to enjoy.
✔ Kid-approved – Even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds.
✔ Restaurant-quality at home – No canned pasta here—just rich, homemade goodness.
✔ Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
What Makes It Special
✨ Ground beef – Browned to juicy perfection for deep, meaty flavor.
✨ Heavy cream – Adds a luxurious, velvety richness to the sauce.
✨ Fresh garlic & herbs – Layers of aromatic warmth in every bite.
✨ Beef broth – Infuses the pasta with savory depth as it cooks.
✨ Tomato paste & spaghetti sauce – A sweet-tangy balance that ties everything together.
Making It Happen
Start by browning ground beef with diced onions in a large skillet until the meat is golden and crumbly, releasing its savory aroma. Toss in minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, letting the spices bloom for just 30 seconds—this builds the flavor foundation.
Next, stir in tomato paste, letting it caramelize slightly for a deep, concentrated tomato punch. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and a touch of sugar (to balance acidity), then bring it to a gentle simmer, where the flavors start melding.
Now, the magic happens—add dried ziti and beef broth, making sure every piece of pasta is submerged in that rich, meaty liquid. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let the pasta cook until al dente and infused with flavor.
Finally, stir in heavy cream, letting the sauce thicken into a luscious, creamy coating. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a bright, herby contrast.
You Must Know
🔸 Pasta choice matters – Ziti holds sauce well, but penne or rigatoni work too.
🔸 Don’t skip the cream – It transforms the sauce from good to decadent.
🔸 Simmer gently – Too high heat can make the pasta mushy.
🔸 Taste and adjust – Need more salt? A pinch more sugar? Trust your palate.
🔸 Leftovers shine – The flavors deepen overnight!
Serving Ideas
Pair with – Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies.
Make It Different
Vegetarian swap – Use lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
Cheesy twist – Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan at the end.
Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Extra veg – Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat – Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezer – Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight before reheating).
Casserole Success Tips
✔ Use a deep skillet – Ensures even cooking and prevents spills.
✔ Undercook pasta slightly – It keeps absorbing sauce as it sits.
✔ Let it rest – A 5-minute wait before serving helps the sauce cling better.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta (penne, elbows, rigatoni) works—just adjust cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything (except cream), refrigerate, then reheat and stir in cream before serving.
3. Is there a dairy-free option?
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for richness.
4. Why add sugar?
A pinch balances the acidity in the tomato sauce—trust me, it makes a difference!
5. Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Sure! Blend 4 cups of ripe tomatoes, but simmer longer to thicken.
Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Category: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Meat & Aromatics
1 pound ground beef
½ cup diced onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce & Pasta
1 tablespoon tomato paste
24-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
8 ounces ziti (or similar short pasta)
2 ½ cups beef broth
½ cup heavy cream
Garnish
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
Brown the beef – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onions until beef is browned (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and seasonings, cooking 30 seconds more. Drain excess fat.
Build the sauce – Stir in tomato paste, then add spaghetti sauce and sugar. Simmer 2 minutes.
Cook the pasta – Add ziti and beef broth, ensuring pasta is submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
Creamy finish – Stir in heavy cream and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
Serve – Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freeze tomato paste leftovers for future use.
Substitute pasta as needed—just adjust liquid slightly.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 23g
