Beefaroni Cheesy Beef Pasta (Printable Format)

Classic beefaroni with ground beef, macaroni, and creamy tomato cheese sauce for a comforting meal.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
03 - 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
04 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
08 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1/2 pound elbow macaroni (approximately 2 cups dry)

→ Sauce Components

10 - 1 1/2 cups beef broth
11 - 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
12 - 1/2 cup half and half
13 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
14 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
15 - 1 teaspoon ketchup
16 - 1/2 beef bouillon cube
17 - 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
18 - 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
19 - 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a large measuring cup, combine beef broth, tomato sauce, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, ketchup, beef bouillon cube, oregano, basil, and parsley. Set aside.
02 - Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, crumbling, for 3 minutes. Add onion and cook 5-6 minutes more, or until beef is fully cooked and onion softened. Drain fat and transfer mixture to a plate.
03 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1/2 tablespoon salt, then add macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet used for beef, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, flour, and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and paste slightly deepens in color.
05 - Slowly pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet, a small amount at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure the sauce thickens evenly.
06 - Increase heat and bring sauce to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Allow to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, while pasta cooks.
07 - Gradually add in shredded cheddar cheese by handfuls, stirring continuously until melted and incorporated. Reserve a small portion for optional topping if desired.
08 - Return beef and onion mixture to the skillet, add drained macaroni, and gently fold to combine evenly with the sauce.
09 - Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top, cover, and let stand until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - For optimal flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese and cook pasta just until al dente to prevent over-softening in the sauce.