Fresh Homemade Cheesy Beef A Roni Recipe

This incredible cheesy homemade beef a roni recipe is so great for dinner and so easy to make! A childhood classic pasta dish that your family will absolutely adore!

One of the hardest parts about being a special needs mom is trying to figure out what works daily for food choices and what absolutely does not. At the beginning of the school year, my son came home and declared that he was NOT eating school lunch anymore.

There was nothing at all that he liked, and it turns out he wanted his mom to make lunch for him. I was up for the challenge. Lunch Ideas for kids are not easy so I have to stay on my toes!

Homemade beefaroni recipe for an easy weeknight dinner

I started with sending him easy sandwiches, a small snack and fruit. Then he got tired of it pretty quickly, and said to me after dinner–wouldn’t it be awesome if I could take hot food to school? (There are no student accessible microwaves in his school).

So I went on amazon and purchased a thermos. I even added some permanent vinyl on it with his name because I REALLY didn’t want him to lose or misplace it!

My family loves Beef A Roni 

I asked him what he would want to bring to school to possibly eat and his first response was “Beef A Roni” and since I am not into the canned stuff I looked up a recipe on Pinterest and put my own spin on things (aka made what I had in the pantry work because I was NOT going back to the grocery store :))

This recipe was actually quite delicious the entire family loved it and I think my husband was actually sneaking and eating some when I wasn’t looking! I’ve been heating it up for him and sending it with him in his thermos with a little extra cheese sprinkled on top.

This homemade Beef A Roni recipe is full of protein, satisfying and makes enough for leftovers the next day!

There aren’t many things you can control in an unpredictable situation but when you get something right you have GOT to take the time to rejoice. Here is the super easy beef a roni recipe. It’s made with real onions, tomato meat sauce and italian seasoning.

I substituted fresh thyme for ground thyme, fresh basil for ground basil and a quarter of a fresh onion versus onion powder and I used about a quarter less cheese than the original recipe. This recipe has a special place in my heart and it’s so much better that chef boyardee beefaroni.

What is homemade beef a roni made of?

A delish blend of ground beef, cheese and pasta. It is a childhood favorite and it’s not so hard on the pockets either! The casserole dish serves 8-10 and can be served by itself or with a quick side salad. If you have leftovers you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

What ingredients do you need for this beefaroni classic recipe?

16 oz box elbow macaroni (or small pasta of your choice)

1 lb 90% Lean ground beef (or ground turkey)

2 (15 oz) cans plain tomato sauce

1/4 onion minced

1 teaspoon fresh diced basil

1 teaspoon fresh diced thyme

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)

1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

You can even add a bit of parmesan cheese on time for a delicious meal for busy weeknights. The layers of flavors in this easy beefaroni recipe is one of my favorite things about this simple recipe. So many great quality ingredients that are pantry staples and no high fructose corn syrup!

This is great with a side of garlic bread on a chilly night. It makes for a complete meal that takes you down memory lane!

This cheesy beefaroni will be one of your favorite comfort foods! You can use macaroni noodles or any small noodles you have available. It has a really good flavor and especially great for those nights that have cold weather.

How do you store homemade Beef a roni?

Homemade Beef a roni can be stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you are planning to store it for longer, freeze it in an airtight freezer-safe container with layers of wax paper between each portion. The frozen Beef a roni will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave.

What can you serve beefaroni with?

Beefaroni is a great meal on its own, but it can also be served with various sides to round out the meal. Some popular options include garlic bread, green salad, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes or baked beans. You can also top your Beefaroni with shredded cheese or chopped parsley for extra flavor and texture.

Helpful tips for making classic beefaroni?

– Use lean ground beef to prevent your dish from becoming too greasy.

– If desired, you can add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper for extra flavor.

– If you want a creamier sauce, add a bit of cream or half & half.

– Use a high-quality tomato sauce for the best results.

– For a little crunch, add some freshly chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to your beefaroni.

– Don’t forget to stir in some grated cheese at the end of cooking for extra cheesy flavor.

– Serve your beefaroni with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Can you freeze this classic beef a roni?

Yes, you can freeze beef a roni. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring the dish to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

I hope these tips help you make a delicious, homemade beefaroni. Happy cooking!

The original recipe is found here at Mostly Homemade Mom:

Pin it for later!

If you enjoyed this recipe be sure to check out my Instagram Page for the latest posts!

Before you go, check out these great posts!

The Best Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Instant Pot Beef Tomato Pasta Soup

Easy and Amazing BLT Pasta Salad

Homemade Pesto Pasta For An Easy Weeknight Meal

The Best Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe – Add Your Favorite Protein!