Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onions
Start by heating up your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is browned and the onions have softened. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step – letting the onions cook through brings out their sweetness and depth. - Add the garlic
Next, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. You don’t want it to brown, as that can make it bitter. Just a quick sauté will release all those lovely garlic aromas. - Season and simmer
Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the tomato sauce, give everything a good stir, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the flavors meld together and become rich and delicious. If you have time, let it simmer even a bit longer – the flavors get better the longer it cooks. - Cook the pasta
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then the elbow macaroni, and cook according to the package directions. Aim for al dente – the pasta will continue to cook a little when mixed with the sauce. - Combine pasta and sauce
Drain the pasta, and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated. This step is key – you want every bite to be packed with saucy, beefy goodness. Serve immediately, and get ready for smiles all around!
Notes
Serving and presentation tips
For a comforting, homestyle feel, serve the beefaroni right out of the skillet at the table. If you’re aiming for a more polished look, sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil on top for color. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad to round out the meal – it’s the perfect combination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner