Beefaroni: Nostalgic Overload

Ah, the bittersweet final day of winter break. The Christmas decorations are coming down, and the house feels like it’s slowly transitioning back to normal life. To mark the occasion, I whipped up a comforting pot of homemade beefaroni, and let me tell you—this dish hit all the right notes. It was quick, simple, and absolutely delicious—the perfect way to close out the season.

Jump to recipe.

A Farewell to Christmas Dishes

This meal was extra special because it was the last one we enjoyed on our Christmas dishes before packing them away for the year. There’s something so nostalgic about beefaroni—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It felt fitting to savor this cozy, nostalgic meal as we said goodbye to the holiday season.

The Recipe Breakdown

Beefaroni is one of those meals that brings back childhood memories but can still be elevated to fit your grown-up taste buds. For this recipe, I used ground beef, but if you’re feeling adventurous, Italian sausage would be a fantastic swap. It adds a little spice and extra flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomato-based sauce.

Speaking of the sauce, here’s where things get a little fun: I use tomato soup as the base. I know, I know—it might sound like a curveball, but trust me on this one. The soup adds a rich, slightly creamy depth that takes the whole dish to another level. It’s not your average beefaroni, but that’s what makes it so good!

Why You’ll Love It

1. Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy days. You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

2. Kid-Approved: The simple, comforting flavors make it a hit with little ones (and adults too!).

3. Versatile: Swap the ground beef for sausage, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to sneak in some extra nutrients.

4. Nostalgia Factor: There’s something magical about a dish that takes you back to simpler times while still feeling fresh and modern.

Serve It Up

Pair your beefaroni with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. Or, if you’re feeling extra nostalgic, go full-on retro with a side of buttered peas. Either way, it’s bound to be a dinner that warms both your heart and your stomach.

A Dish to Remember

As we packed away the holiday memories for another year, this beefaroni reminded me that comfort food has a way of making even the simplest moments feel special. Whether you’re marking the end of a season or just looking for an easy, delicious dinner, this recipe is a must-try.

So, grab a pot, some ground beef, and that secret weapon—tomato soup—and let this nostalgic overload bring a little joy to your table.

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The Recipe

Ingredients:

• Oil

• 1/2 onion, finely diced

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp chili powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper

• 2 cans of tomato soup (10.75 ounces)

• 2 cans of water (from the tomato soup)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

• 8 oz. ziti

• 1 tsp brown sugar (or to taste, optional)

• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare the meat sauce: Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat and drizzle in some oil. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the ground beef, garlic powder, and chili powder, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Pour in the tomato soup, water, and Worcestershire Sauce, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

2. Cook the macaroni: Once the sauce starts to boil gently, add the macaroni and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar if you like. Simmer for 15ish minutes, stirring frequently, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

3. Finish and serve: When the pasta is done, take the pot off the heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese. Serve it warm and enjoy!