Name: Beefaroni Pasta Bake with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces large elbow macaroni; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 pound ground beef (85/15); 29 ounce can tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; Chives, for garnish (optional)

Print Recipe·4 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting yet crowd-pleasing meal that combines rich flavors with creamy textures, this Beefaroni Pasta Bake with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect family-friendly dinner, layering tender elbow macaroni with a luscious tomato and cheddar sauce that’s both hearty and indulgent. The blend of savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and a dreamy cheesy sauce will have you coming back for seconds — trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several bowls and a plate on a white marbled surface, each with different ingredients for cooking. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl filled with finely chopped white onion, next to it a small bowl holding thick, bright red tomato paste. Below these is another small bowl with a mix of minced garlic and ground spices, showing red, beige, and green tones. To the right, there is a clear glass pitcher filled with smooth, white heavy cream. Below the pitcher, a white bowl is heaped with shredded orange-yellow cheese. On the bottom left, a white plate contains a dense block of raw ground beef in a deep pink color with textured lines. Near the plate is a can holding dark red tomato sauce. Finally, lower right is a white pot filled with cooked elbow macaroni pasta, pale yellow and slightly shiny. All items are neatly arranged and clearly labeled. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Beefaroni Pasta Bake starts with simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding depth and spice to balancing creamy and tangy notes.

12 ounces large elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully for every bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing onions and garlic, contributing a subtle richness.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a tender bite after caramelization.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a bold, aromatic flavor base.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Brings herby warmth and complexity.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Gives a mild, smoky kick without overpowering.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a lovely smoky layer and vibrant color.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
1 pound ground beef (85/15): Provides hearty protein and savory richness.
29 ounce can tomato sauce: Forms the luscious, base of the creamy tomato sauce.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami depth and balances acidity.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy texture that defines this dish.
8 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into harmony.

How to Make Beefaroni Pasta Bake with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is just al dente. This ensures the pasta is tender but still firm enough to hold up when mixed with the rich sauce later on, preventing any sogginess in your bake.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion with a pinch of salt and pepper, letting it cook for 6-8 minutes. You want the onions to soften and develop a golden caramelized flavor that adds complexity to the overall dish. Then, stir in the minced garlic to release its fragrant aroma—this step really sets the savory tone.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomato Paste

Now, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, and tomato paste. Stir constantly for about a minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavors, making the sauce truly come alive with warmth and subtle heat.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Push the vegetables to the edges of the pan creating a ring, and add the ground beef to the center. Break it up as it cooks, browning the meat thoroughly and mixing it with the softened onions and flavorful spices. The meaty juices will help deglaze the pan, releasing those browned bits that contribute incredible taste.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to marry all those flavors, resulting in a rich and hearty sauce base.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cheddar

Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and shredded medium cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until everything melts and the sauce becomes creamy and velvety—a perfect blend of tangy tomato and luscious cheese that will coat every piece of pasta beautifully.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked macaroni to the pan and toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy tomato and cheddar sauce. This step is where your Beefaroni Pasta Bake with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Sauce Recipe truly comes together as a unified dish full of comfort and flavor.

How to Serve Beefaroni Pasta Bake with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Sauce Recipe

A white pan filled with cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of softened onions, all evenly browned and coated with spices giving a rich brown color. The meat mixture covers the entire bottom of the pan, with some bits sticking slightly to the sides, showing a textured, crumbly appearance. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley over the top adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that lightens the dish just slightly, making it feel even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for an extra dose of nutrition and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this beefaroni in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, bake it with an extra layer of shredded cheddar and breadcrumbs on top for a golden, bubbly crust that adds a delightful crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Beefaroni Pasta Bake with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Sauce Recipe should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for next-day lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

This pasta bake also freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells will work wonderfully and hold the sauce well.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms to maintain a meaty texture while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe uses mild chili powder and smoked paprika to provide a gentle smoky warmth without overwhelming heat, making it suitable for most palates.

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a sharp white cheddar for a bolder flavor, but cheddar provides that classic tangy creaminess.

What’s the best way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and be sure any canned tomato products you use are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Beefaroni Pasta Bake with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Sauce Recipe is pure comfort food that hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a delicious, fuss-free option that warms the soul. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine!