Like many of my favorite things to eat, this beefaroni holds a special connection to me. It comes from my Grandmother and when I was growing up we visited my Grandma’s house all the time. We were lucky because she only lived down the street from us.
We were seven kids, growing up in a tiny house in inner-city Detroit. We didn’t have any money but we were never short of love or food. My grandma gave us both of those things, as much as our hearts and stomach could hold. This beefaroni is simple but it tastes as good today as it did way back then.
Beefaroni
Our kids love this meal. As a bonus, every time they make this recipe, it’s almost like my long-departed grandma is giving them a great big hug. It can’t get any better than that.
Grandma Zub, Lottie was her first name, but we always referred to her by her last name. She was a very loving person who provided us with many things, one of which was great meals.
I always thought of her as a gourmet chef and one of my favorite meals that she made, she called beefaroni. If we were ever at her house and knew she was making this meal, we would always invite ourselves to stay for diner. Grandma never said no.
This is the same beefaroni my grandma made for me.
This beefaroni recipe is a lot like the lady my grandma was. Simple, comforting, and as delicious as she was loving.
The recipe I am sharing with you is simple with just three ingredients. Again, like the lady behind it, you can dress it up with some additions if you like. Either way, it is a surprisingly good meal. Many people who first see this recipe discount it as a kids’ meal. It’s true that kids love this recipe but I think you’ll be surprised at how much you will like it too!
Ingredients
(See the full recipe is in the recipe at the end of this post.)
- Egg noodles
- Egg noodles are the base for this beefaroni recipe. A lot of folks use elbow macaroni instead, and that is fine. I like the way the egg noodles hold the sauce and besides, this is what Grandma used!
- Ground Beef
- We use ground beef for this beefaroni but you can use ground turkey as well.
- I prefer an 80/20 (Lean/fat) ground beef for a little extra flavor.
Cooking Tip
-
- When you brown the ground beef for this beefaroni, let it sear a bit in the skillet. This will give the meat some caramelization and add a nice beefy flavor to the finished recipe!
- Cream of Tomato Soup
- I have found that Campbell’s cream of tomato soup tastes the best in this beefaroni.
How To Make Beefaroni
Unfortunately, my Grandma passed away many years ago, and this meal was lost to me, until one day when I wanted to make it for our kids. So, I called my mother and asked her if she remembered when Grandma used to make this for us.
She of course remembered and asked why I was wondering. I told her that I wanted to try and make it and asked her how to make beefaroni. I was ready with a pencil and paper ready to take down every ingredient. Mom laughed at the idea that I was so excited about this recipe.
I was hoping that I could recreate my childhood memories for my children. She took a deep breath and began the list. “One pound of ground beef,” she said. Quickly I jotted this down.
“OK,” I responded as if I was a reporter of a newspaper getting an exclusive story. “Next,” she said, “One family-sized can of Campbell’s tomato soup.” “Interesting,” I responded. “What next?” I asked.
“That’s it,” she stated. “That’s it?” I responded, puzzled.
Step 1
Start by preparing a 12-ounce bag of egg noodles.
Step 2:
Brown 1 pound of hamburger. Don’t use the leanest blend or it will be too dry. We like to use a blend of 80% lean and 20% fat.
Step 3:
Add a family size can of Campbell’s Cream of Tomato Soup. If you don’t have a family size can you can use two regular-sized cans.
Step 4:
Return the drained egg noodles tot the pan ground beef and tomato soup mixture and stir it up!
I learned from my mom that Grandmother cooked for convenience. That gourmet chef was more like Rachel Ray before Rachel Ray was even born. Grandma liked to make easy family meals.
She had eight children to care for. The last thing that she wanted to do was to spend the entire day in the kitchen. So, this quick family recipe was created for this purpose.
Beefaroni, “Dressed Up”
If you want to add a little flair to this easy family recipe, toss in some of the following!
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Diced onion
- Diced bell pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil
Baked Beefaroni
You can also finish this off in the oven, for a beefaroni casserole. Just place it in an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, then bake it at 350° for 30 minutes.
This simple meal idea may sound like a kids recipe to you but adults love it as well. Do you self a favor one of these evenings and try it. I can’t wait to hear how you like it!
More of our Ground Beef Recipes
- The Patty Melt
- Hamburger meat, sweet onions, and Swiss cheese sandwiched between toasted skillet-toasted rye bread.
- Slow Cooker Italian Hamburger Soup
- Ground beef that is slow-cooked in a simple savory broth.
- Slow Cooker Salisbury Burgers
- Crock-pot hamburgers, cooked in broth, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and a cup of your favorite red.
- Costa Rica Hamburgers
- Easy and delicious burger recipe
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Beefaroni
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 26 oz Tomato soup 1 family size can
- 12 oz Egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, season to taste with salt and pepper, and drain excess grease from pan.
- Add can of tomato soup to the cooked ground beef.
- In a pot boil water and cook egg noodles according to directions on packaging.
- Drain egg noodles when cooked and add to beef and tomato soup mixture.
- Stir to combine.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
- Serve with a vegetable of choice, our kids like corn or green beans with this.
- Sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese.
- Serve some dinner rolls with this.
- You can cook them in the oven at the same time you are putting together the beef-a-Roni.
Natalie says
Easy dinners that can feed a hungry family during weekdays are my favorite. That’s why I love this recipe and I’m saving it to try. We all love good pasta and this looks absolutely amazing.
Tammy says
Surely a childhood classic! It always seems the simplest dishes are the best, right?! I remember growing up a favorite of mine was just plain spaghetti with butter and grated cheese. It’s still a favorite of mine tbh! I’ve never had beefroni but I’m so inspired now to try this. Perfect to make in a pinch when days are long and nights are busy! 🙂
Marisa Franca says
That is such a cute story — it kinda reminds me of my Mother-in-law’s famous Girl Scout Stew. She had 7 in the family and a big house to take care of. Girl Scout Stew? I large can of Campbell’s vegetable soup, 1 pound hamburger, elbow macaroni. Very similar. And I did make it a long time ago for my kiddos. I think Campbells must have been putting out those recipes until they got gourmet with their “Cream of…” Then the dishes got fancy.
Mahy Elamin says
Wow, which is a simple recipe. I like the fact that the list of ingredients is simple and easy. Interesting idea! Deliciously. This recipe is perfect for me and my family. I’m sure it is very tasty!
Veena Azmanov says
This is so simple and easy. I love having beef roni. Love how simple and easy this is. Saving it for later.
Vanessa Price says
Doesn’t get easier than this! I’m sure any kid would eat this without a fuss.
Gloria says
I love the homemade version of this. Perfect for busy mom’s to whip up any night of the week.
Pavani says
That sure is a quick and easy recipe to make. Looks so hearty, comforting and delicious. Kids I’m sure will LOVE it.
Claudia Lamascolo says
awe what an great inspiration to make this recipe. So awesome. My four year old grandson would love this dish he is a big pasta lover! thanks
Karyl Henry says
Oh man, this looks even easier than the stuff in the box…and definitely better for you! I love simple dishes like this, especially ones that take me back to childhood. Perfect quick lunch
Kelly Anthony says
I’m so impressed you did this with just three ingredients! Looks great!
Dan from Platter Talk says
It’s not fancy but our kids love this simple homemade beefaroni!
Taylor Kiser says
Looks so comforting and delicious! Love the inspiration behind this recipe! So sweet!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Taylor! Even the parents in our family enjoy this homemade beefaroni recipe!
Lynn McRacken says
The kids really liked it and it’s super easy, but how much pasta do you prepare?
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks for the feedback, Lynn and we typically make a bag of egg noodles for this recipe, which is 12 oz. Please note, you can adjust the amounts of the ingredients to your needs and preferences! We are happy you like this simple recipe which I personally think is under-appreciated. Our kids love it and to be honest with you, so do their parents!
Heather @Boston Girl Bakes says
Oh well now I know what I’m doing with that package of ground beef in my freezer! I love homemade versions of boxed dinners like this!
The Food Hunter says
The children’s faces say it all
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Nothing beats comfort food…and this looks delicious. Great video too.
Cricket Plunkett says
Now that is my kind of dinner! It would not last long in my house!
Aish Das-Padihari says
The comfortness and warmth of this dish is alluring. Great story
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks for the comments.
Sabrina | The Tomato Tart says
I love the flavor combo on this recipe. Definitely a comfort food at its finest. Love it!!!
swathi says
Love this kids friendly meal. I know it is really hard to make them eat any thing. This sound delicious.
Diana says
Now that is real comfort food! Sounds very delicious!
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says
I love the step by step pictures and the video! They make it so easy to follow the recipe!
Debra says
That is an awesome story! I relate on so many levels – yay for Grandma, she was WAY ahead of her time!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Deb, this is a great go-to meal, every time!
Jenny.U says
What a lovely story and fantastic looking dish!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Love it! Made with love, surely, then and now!
Mary Bostow says
I love that you made a homemade version of this, it looks so good!
Debra @ Bowl Me Pver says
Love this story Scott, what a great memory you have and fun to pass it onto your kids! I have a similiar memory of mac & cheese my Grandma used to make. Good for you to preserve that memory!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
Dan, Dan, Dan!!!! This is beyond comfort food!!! I needed this recipe in my life. Thank you.
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
I must make this for my grandkids next tie we visit! I know it will be gobbled up in a flash!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
You do your self a disservice calling this Beef-a-Roni. It looks amazing and it is not just for the kids. Give me a super big bowl please.
Susie Gall says
Love this post, Dan and love the photos of all those sweet faces enjoying the deliciousness.
Patty Haxton Anderson says
Please tell Scott I loved the video.!
Patty Haxton Anderson says
My sister-in-law made this for her kids when they were growing up and our grown nieces still talk about how good it is!
rebekah says
Loved this! Needed something quick, last minute and this was perfect! This is a great base recipe that you can easily tweak and add to at whim. I added some chopped onions and yellow bell pepper and sprinkled with cheddar cheese and it was a success! I also did not drain the excess grease and used spiral noodles….anyway, it turned out wonderful! The family enjoyed it and I will be making it again! Thanks!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Rebekah, I’m glad you tried this. Most people (adults) are surprised at just how delicious this is; the kids don’t give it a second thought. Instead, they usually ask for second helping. Thanks for the comments!
dotsinclair says
My Mom used to do this with Cream of Mushroom Soup, I’m 72 years old and whenever I’m not feeling up to par, I try to make Mom’s old recipes. Another favorite is Spam, tomato soup, onion and elbow macaroni. Dice up the spam and brown in a little olive oil, add the diced onions and saute, and the tomato soup with a can of water and then add the macaroni. Just like Mom used to make. Only she cooked for 9 children. I only cook for 1. LOL Enjoy!!!
Dan from Platter Talk says
What a great comment! Thanks for droppying by and sharing this memory with us!
Julie says
OMG…my mom made this for us growing up (only she called it “Hamburger and Noodles”). Only difference is she threw in chopped onion and celery with the meat while browning. It was totally a favorite of mine and my sister’s! I have made it on occasion for my daughters and they love it as well. Thanks for the memory!
Scott from Platter Talk says
Julie, I will totally try adding in some onion and celery. Sounds like a great addition. Isn’t it funny how a simple dish can transport you back to your childhood? Thank you for your comments!
Shashi Charles says
4 ingredient Beefaroni is a winner in any busy house! Your grandma was one smart lady 🙂
Scott from Platter Talk says
Shashi, thank you. I agree, my grandmother was a smart lady. She believed in feeding the soul through great simple dishes. I hope that you give this a try.
Brooks says
Scott, the simplicity of this meal is astounding, but the feeding of generations from a recipe passed down through loving hands is magnificent! Great photos too.
Scott from Platter Talk says
Brooks, thank you for your comments. I think that sometimes we forget that simple can be delicious. Even better when the recipe comes with great memories.
Anna and Liz Recipes says
Hey Scott, this recipe reminds me of our childhood. Sounds good, and we love the photo of the twins! Didn’t know you have twins too!
Scott from Platter Talk says
Hi Ladies. How old are your twins? Ours are 8 and identical. Thanks for the comments as well. I love these simple family recipes.