Day: October 28, 2025

A Bold Pink Makeover and a "Grand Library Wall" Transform This Loft

A Bold Pink Makeover and a “Grand Library Wall” Transform This Loft


There’s no such thing as too much color.
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A Straightforward Pasta Recipe That Is Often Asked For

A Straightforward Pasta Recipe That Is Often Asked For

# One-Pan Beefaroni: A Cozy Dinner Treat

Dinner is as simple and comforting as this one-pan Beefaroni. This meal mixes soft pasta, robust ground beef, and a flavorful, cheesy tomato sauce, forming a nostalgic dish that’s quick enough for any weeknight dinner.

## Taste Profile
The taste of Beefaroni is rich and filling, featuring a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce that adheres to every piece of soft pasta. This blend results in a fulfilling meal appealing to both kids and adults.

## Difficulty Level
This straightforward meal transitions from the stove to the table in one pan, making it a practical choice for hectic weeknights.

## Suggested Tools
A meat chopper is advisable for quickly breaking ground beef into a finer, more consistent texture, ensuring it cooks evenly and blends well with the sauce.

## Ingredient Alternatives
For a lighter sauce, consider replacing the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt, which retains creaminess while cutting calories.

## Ingredient Suggestions for Homemade Beefaroni

– **Beef**: Lean ground beef is ideal, but medium or regular can work if drained of excess fat. For extra juiciness, add some Italian seasoned ground pork. Ground chicken or turkey can also be used for a lighter alternative.

– **Pasta**: Large elbow or ziti noodles are classic selections, but any robust, medium-sized pasta like penne, cavatappi, or rotini can be utilized. For a fun variation, try Cresti de Gallo noodles. Adjust cooking times as needed for tender pasta.

– **Cheese**: Cheddar can be replaced with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. Whole-fat cream cheese is suggested for a rich and smooth sauce.

– **Variations**: Boost the nutritional value by incorporating shredded zucchini, carrots, sliced mushrooms, or spinach.

## Cooking Advice
– Opting for a wide saucepan helps the pasta cook uniformly in the sauce, guaranteeing excellent flavor in every bite.
– Don’t skip the resting period after cooking! This lets the sauce thicken and adhere better to the pasta.
– If saving leftovers, slightly undercook the pasta to prevent mushiness during reheating. For optimal taste, add a splash of broth while reheating.

## Next-Day Enjoyment
Beefaroni tastes even better the following day as the flavors combine. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat portions on the stove or in the microwave.

## Recipe Summary
### Beefaroni
Homemade Beefaroni is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal that requires just a few minutes to prepare and cook!

– **Preparation Time**: 15 minutes
– **Cooking Time**: 20 minutes
– **Resting Time**: 5 minutes
– **Total Time**: 40 minutes
– **Servings**: 6

### Directions
1. In a 12-inch saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain the excess grease.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of beef broth, ziti or macaroni, cream cheese, tomato paste, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3. Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the 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.
4. Once the pasta is tender, remove from heat and mix in the cheese. Cover and let rest for 5 to 7 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

### Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 447
– **Carbohydrates**: 42g
– **Protein**: 23g
– **Fat**: 21g
– **Saturated Fat**: 9g
– **Cholesterol**: 68mg
– **Sodium**: 649mg
– **Potassium**: 824mg
– **Fiber**: 4g
– **Sugar**: 10g

This one-pan Beefaroni is not only a delicious meal but also a practical option for busy families. Savor the comforting flavors and the simplicity of preparation!

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