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Beefaroni

Beefaroni is a delightful comfort food that combines ground beef and macaroni with a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef Juicy and rich, providing protein.
  • Salt and Pepper Essential seasoning.
  • ½ cup Yellow onion, diced Adds sweetness.
  • 3 tablespoons Butter Rich and creamy.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Aromatic flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Used for thickening.
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato paste Enhances flavor.
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese Melty perfection.
  • ½ lb Macaroni, equal to 2 cups Comforting pasta.
  • 1 ½ cups Beef broth Savory liquid.
  • 8 oz Tomato sauce Adds moisture.
  • ½ cup Half and half Makes the sauce luxurious.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Adds umami flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Yellow mustard Adds tang.
  • 1 teaspoon Ketchup Balances flavors.
  • ½ cube Beef bouillon Optional flavor enhancer.
  • ¾ teaspoon Dried oregano Herb blend.
  • ¾ teaspoon Dried basil Herb blend.
  • ¾ teaspoon Dried parsley Herb blend.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine the sauce ingredients in a measuring cup and set aside.
  2. Season ground beef with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, crumbling it for about 3 minutes.
  4. Add diced onions and sauté until the beef is cooked through (5-6 minutes). Drain excess grease.
  5. While beef is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta, adding ½ tablespoon salt.
Cooking
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, flour, and tomato paste, stirring for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
  2. Add the prepared sauce mixture gradually, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Cook the pasta al dente, following package instructions, and set aside.
  4. Sprinkle in cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted into the sauce.
  5. Return the cooked beef and onions to the sauce, mixing well.
  6. Stir in the macaroni until well combined. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese and cover for a few moments to melt before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, brown the beef with smoked paprika or cayenne. For crispy texture, bake with breadcrumbs.