Name: Easy Homemade Beefaroni Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1 Tbs Olive Oil; 1/2 Cup Onion, diced; 1 Pound Ground Beef; Salt & Pepper to taste; 1/2 Tbs Garlic Powder; 1/2 Tbs Onion Powder; 1 Tbs Italian Seasoning; 1 Tbs Beef Bullion; 3 Tbs Butter; 2 Tbs Flour; 2 Tbs Tomato Paste; 1.5 Cups Beef Broth; 1 Cup Tomato Sauce; 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream, room temperature; 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded; 1 Pound Ziti, cooked in salted water; Fresh Parsley, for garnish

This Easy Homemade Beefaroni is loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce that’s creamy, comforting, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

If you grew up eating Beefaroni, this recipe is going to bring back all the nostalgia! This time with a homemade twist that tastes so much better. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, plenty of melty cheddar cheese, and a rich tomato sauce that’s perfectly creamy without being heavy. Every bite is loaded with flavor, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner.

The best part? Everything comes together in one skillet (aside from boiling the pasta), making cleanup easy. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and ready in about 30 minutes, which means it’s perfect for those busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better than the boxed or canned version. Fresh ingredients make all the difference.
Easy to make. Simple pantry staples come together in about 30 minutes.
Creamy and cheesy. The cheddar melts into the sauce for the perfect texture.
Great for leftovers. It reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
Family-friendly. Even picky eaters love this one.

Ingredients

Heres everything you'll need to make this delicious dinner. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.

Olive Oil - Just enough to cook the onions and beef without sticking.
Ground Beef - The hearty base of the recipe that makes it filling and satisfying.
Onion — Adds sweetness and flavor as it cooks down.
Salt - Enhances all of the flavors.
Black Pepper - Adds a mild kick.
Garlic Powder — Gives the sauce a rich garlic flavor without overpowering it.
Italian Seasoning - Adds classic Italian herbs that pair perfectly with the tomato sauce.
Beef Bouillon - The secret ingredient that gives the beef an extra savory, rich flavor.
Butter — Creates the base for the roux and makes the sauce silky.
Flour - Thickens the sauce.
Tomato Paste - Adds deep tomato flavor and richness.
Beef Broth - Builds a flavorful sauce.
Tomato Sauce — Gives the Beefaroni its classic tomato base.
Heavy Cream - Balances the acidity of the tomatoes while making the sauce rich and creamy.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese - Melts into the sauce and makes it irresistibly cheesy.
Cooked Ziti Pasta - Holds onto the sauce perfectly while making every bite hearty.

How To Make It

Heres how to make make this delicious pasta. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the diced onion and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Season the beef with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and beef bouillon. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.

ground beef and onion seasoned in skillet

Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Stir in the flour and tomato paste. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste and caramelize the tomato paste.

butter melted into ground beef with tomato paste and flour

Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking until smooth. Stir in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning if needed.

beef broth, heavy cream and tomato sauce added to the seasoned ground beef.

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese in batches until completely melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked ziti until every piece is coated in the cheesy beef sauce. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

cheddar cheese and ziti folded into pasta sauce

Pro Tips

Shred your own cheddar cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Don’t skip cooking the tomato paste! It develops a much richer flavor.
Slightly undercook the pasta so it finishes cooking in the sauce.
Taste the sauce before adding the cheese so you can adjust the seasoning.
A splash of pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to every noodle.

Variations

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken.
Add diced bell peppers with the onions.
Stir in mushrooms for extra flavor.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Mix in mozzarella along with the cheddar for an extra cheesy version.

What to Serve With It

This Easy Homemade Beefaroni is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with Garlic Bread, cheesy breadsticks, a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans. It’s also a great addition to any casual family dinner alongside your favorite vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth, milk, or water to loosen the sauce.

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Other Easy Pasta Recipes

There's nothing better than a big bowl of comfort food! I've rounded up all my Best Pasta Recipes so you can find them easily in one place.

all my best pasta recipes