Homemade Beefaroni
Homemade Beefaroni combines tender pasta with savory ground beef and rich tomato flavors, seasoned with mushrooms and onion soup for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour 6 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of oil into a large pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add the large shells to the boiling water and cook until tender. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Saute ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and return it to the skillet.
- Add the whole peeled tomatoes to the skillet and chop them up.
- Add the mushroom onion soup mix, red pepper, garlic powder, and seasoned salt to the beef and tomatoes. Cover and simmer.
- Once the shells are cooked, drain them and return to the pot.
- Add the beef broth to the shells and stir well.
- Spoon the cooked ground meat mixture into the pot with the shells and mix thoroughly.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. If you're out of large shells, elbow macaroni or any pasta shape will work in a pinch. To enhance flavor, try using homemade beef broth instead of the packaged kind. Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving can elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Homemade Beefaroni with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Western Lima Beans for added nutrition. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Beefaroni contains roughly 1657 calories, with 9g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 180g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just cook the pasta right before serving and combine everything for a quick meal.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a meat substitute that mimics ground meat texture and flavor.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
To boost the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. A dash of hot sauce can also add a nice kick if you prefer some heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).