I have to tell you, there’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of Beefaroni, especially on a chilly evening! This isn’t just any Beefaroni; oh no, this is my Creamy Beefaroni with Marinara Sauce, and it has a special place in my heart—and my family’s dinner rotation. I remember the first time I made this for my family. My husband took a bite, and his eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. It was a hit! It’s cheesy, it’s saucy, and let’s be honest—it’s downright delicious. And can we talk about how easy it is to whip up? You can have this meal on the table in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
So gather your ingredients, and let’s dive right into this creamy goodness!
What’s in Creamy Beefaroni?
- Ground beef (1 lb): I usually go for lean ground beef because it balances flavor and fat perfectly. But if you’re in the mood for something different, ground turkey works well too!
- Onion, chopped (1): Adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Because honestly, what’s a recipe without garlic? It brings everything to life!
- Marinara sauce (15 oz can): I love using a high-quality jarred marinara for convenience. If you have a favorite brand, use that! It makes all the difference.
- Beef broth (1 cup): You can use water if you’re in a pinch, but beef broth adds a rich flavor that really enhances the dish.
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups): The classic choice! They soak up all that creamy sauce beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The star of the show! It makes this dish incredibly creamy and decadent.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): This will bring a little pizzazz with flavors of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors. Adjust to your liking!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping): I mean, cheese is always a good idea, right?
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Just for garnish—because we eat with our eyes first!
Is Creamy Beefaroni Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health benefits because, hey, we all deserve a bit of balance in our lives! While this dish is undeniably indulgent with that heavy cream and beef, it does offer some nutritional perks.
– Ground beef is an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins like B12.
– Elbow macaroni provides carbohydrates, giving you energy—ideal if you have a busy day ahead!
– Onions and garlic are known for their antioxidant properties and can boost your immune system, which is always a win in my book.
– Marinara sauce can offer a dose of vitamins A and C, thanks to the tomatoes!
On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this dish can be higher in calories and fat compared to lighter meals. So if you’re watching your intake, perhaps opt for ground turkey and reduce the heavy cream. Moderation is key!
Ingredients List
- Ground beef: 1 lb
- Onion, chopped: 1
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Marinara sauce: 1 can (15 oz)
- Beef broth: 1 cup (or water)
- Elbow macaroni: 2 cups
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (or to taste)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley: chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Beefaroni?
1. Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Drain any excess fat because we want creamy, not greasy!
2. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Oh, the aroma!
4. Add the elbow macaroni and stir to combine. Cover the pot and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is al dente.
5. Once your macaroni is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through—just don’t let it boil!
6. If you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle on that shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then cover for a few minutes to let it melt. You deserve that melty goodness.
7. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with the lovely fresh parsley!
Make It Your Own!
There’s so much room for creativity with this dish. Feel free to throw in some veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition! If you love a spicy kick, add in some crushed red pepper flakes. And for a full meal experience, pair this creamy Beefaroni with a side of garlic bread – trust me, you won’t regret it!
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s a hug in a bowl that will surely warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear how yours turned out or any fun twists you added! Happy cooking!
