If you’ve been craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish with a luscious, velvety texture and hearty flavor, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Beefaroni Recipe. It’s the ultimate weeknight winner that blends tender pasta with savory ground beef and a creamy tomato sauce that hugs every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want a satisfying solo dinner, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels wonderfully indulgent yet familiar. Trust me, once you make this Creamy Beefaroni Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few humble yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this memorable dish. Each component plays a crucial role: from the lean ground beef providing rich flavor and protein, to the ziti pasta offering fun texture, to the cream cheese that adds that silky smooth touch. Here’s what you need to get started:
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Choose lean for a healthier meal without sacrificing flavor.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base that balances the creaminess.
- 2 cups beef broth (or more if needed, up to 3 cups): Adds depth and keeps the sauce perfectly saucy.
- 8 ounces ziti (or large elbow macaroni): A firm pasta shape that holds up well in the sauce.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Brings that signature creamy texture and mild tang.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes for smooth harmony.
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder: Adds savory depth without the fuss of chopping fresh onions.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle hint of garlic warmth throughout the dish.
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Mixed in at the end for a melty, cheesy finish.
How to Make Creamy Beefaroni Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large 12-inch saucepan over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef. Cook it until there’s no pink left, breaking it up as you go. This step builds the backbone of your dish with savory, caramelized meat flavor. Once cooked, don’t forget to drain off any excess grease to keep your beefaroni from becoming too heavy.
Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth. Add the pasta of your choice—ziti or elbow macaroni work beautifully here—for that perfect bite every time. Then mix in the cream cheese and tomato paste along with the granulated sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. These ingredients work together to create a rich, velvety sauce that’s bursting with balanced, comforting flavors.
Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring your mixture to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the saucepan and let it gently simmer, stirring occasionally to keep things from sticking. This process takes about 14 to 20 minutes, just enough time for the pasta to soften and soak up those magical flavors. If you notice the sauce getting too thick, simply add a splash more broth—up to a cup—to keep it deliciously saucy.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
Once the pasta feels tender to the bite, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish, then cover and let the pot rest for 5 to 7 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. Finally, give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as you like to unlock its full potential.
How to Serve Creamy Beefaroni Recipe
Garnishes
Want to elevate your bowl of Creamy Beefaroni Recipe? Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra touch of savory richness, while a drizzle of olive oil can bring a subtle fruitiness that complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect for sopping up every last drop of that luscious sauce. For a vegetable boost, steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts add nice texture contrast and balance out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking for a fun twist? Serve your Creamy Beefaroni Recipe in individual ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and broiled for a couple of minutes until golden and bubbly. You could also bake the entire dish in a casserole dish with extra shredded cheese on top for a crispy crust. For a weeknight dinner with flair, try plating it alongside colorful roasted veggies and a simple herb garnish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Creamy Beefaroni Recipe cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious leftover option for quick lunches or second helpings.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and store for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the pasta might be slightly softer after thawing, but the flavor remains just as comforting.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a touch of broth or water if it looks too thick. Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, to keep it creamy and even throughout.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Beefaroni Recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti or large elbow macaroni are traditional, penne, rigatoni, or even shells work well. Just make sure the pasta shape is sturdy enough to hold up in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with something else?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can use mascarpone or even a bit of full-fat cream instead. These alternatives will still lend creaminess, though the flavor might be slightly different.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add a little kick, try stirring in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the seasonings. You can also top your serving with sliced jalapeños or a spicy pepper jack cheese.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and just reheat it for dinner?
Definitely! This Creamy Beefaroni Recipe actually tastes great the next day once the flavors meld even more. Just store it properly and reheat as described to enjoy a quick, delicious meal any time.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?
Stir the mixture occasionally while simmering to keep the pasta moving and prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Also, adding enough broth helps maintain a saucy consistency that keeps the pasta well-coated and tender.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Beefaroni Recipe highly enough—it’s comfort food at its finest, with creamy, cheesy goodness combined with hearty beef and perfectly cooked pasta. Once you try making this at home, you’ll see how straightforward ingredients can come together into something extraordinarily satisfying. Gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every cozy, delicious bite!
Print
Creamy Beefaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Beefaroni recipe featuring tender ziti pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato and beef sauce, enriched with cream cheese and topped with shredded cheddar. Perfect for a family-friendly meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth (or more if needed, up to 3 cups)
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces ziti (or large elbow macaroni)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a 12-inch saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until no pink remains. Drain excess grease to ensure a lean sauce base.
- Add Sauce Ingredients and Pasta: To the browned beef, add crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of beef broth, ziti or elbow macaroni, cream cheese, tomato paste, granulated sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Simmer the Dish: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 14-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed to maintain a saucy consistency and to cook pasta thoroughly.
- Finish with Cheese and Rest: Once the pasta is tender, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and let it rest for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- If the sauce thickens too quickly, add additional beef broth or water to maintain juiciness.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture, or substitute with reduced-fat for a lighter version.
- Adjust seasoning at the end, especially salt, as broth and cheeses can vary in saltiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
