Description
A hearty and comforting Beefaroni recipe featuring tender ground beef simmered with ziti pasta in a rich tomato-based sauce, finished with creamy cheese for a delicious one-pot meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth (or more if needed, up to 3 cups)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Pasta
- 8 ounces ziti (or large elbow macaroni)
Dairy
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a 12-inch saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain excess grease to ensure a leaner dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of beef broth, ziti or elbow macaroni, cream cheese, tomato paste, granulated sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder into the saucepan with the cooked beef.
- Simmer the Dish: Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer, cooking for 14-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more beef broth if needed to maintain a saucy consistency.
- Finish and Rest: Once the pasta is tender, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again and let rest for 5 to 7 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference before serving.
Notes
- Adjust beef broth quantity based on how saucy you want the dish.
- Use ziti or large elbow macaroni for best texture and sauce adherence.
- Simmering time depends on pasta type; check for doneness after 14 minutes.
- Resting the dish after cooking helps the cheese melt fully and flavors meld.
