Last Updated on July 16, 2023
Chef Boyardee Beefaroni is a classic comfort food that’s quick and easy to whip up for busy weeknights when you’re short on time. No matter what age, everyone loves the classic flavor of Chef Boyardee Beefaroni.
This beloved dish is a family favorite, and with good reason—it’s easy to make, packed full of flavor, and ready in just 10 minutes. Plus, it’s customizable to fit any diet or preference!
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Chef Boyardee Beefaroni, including a detailed recipe and tips for making the perfect dish. So get ready—it’s time to whip up some beefaroni!
What is Chef Boyardee Beefaroni?
Chef Boyardee Beefaroni is a pre-packaged canned pasta dish that consists of ground beef, elbow noodles, and tomato sauce. It’s often known as “beefaroni” for short.
The dish was created in the 1920s by Italian immigrant Hector Boiardi (who later changed his name to Chef Boyardee) and has since a popular comfort food in the States.
What does it taste like?
Chef Boyardee Beefaroni has a classic and comforting flavor that is sure to please. The elbow noodles are cooked to al dente perfection, providing a nice texture contrast with the ground beef. The tomato sauce gives it a savory warmness, while the onion adds an earthy sweetness.
Fresh basil leaves provide an herby flavor and a burst of juiciness, while the garlic and pepper give it an extra layer of flavor. The melted cheddar cheese adds a smooth creaminess and provides additional texture.
All these flavors combine to create the perfect comfort food dish that you can easily customize with your favorite spices or veggies.
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How did I first get introduced to Chef Boyardee Beefaroni?
I first had Chef Boyardee Beefaroni when I was a kid at school. It was always one of the most popular lunch items and it seemed like everyone in my grade wanted to get their hands on it.
Whenever I got an order, I’d be so excited! The flavors and textures were unlike anything else and I was instantly hooked. I’m sure many other people have similar stories about their first experience with Chef Boyardee Beefaroni.
How to make Chef Boyardee Beefaroni?
Making Chef Boyardee Beefaroni is easy and only takes 10 minutes. Here are the ingredients & step-by-step instructions for this recipe:
Ingredients
- Elbow noodles: This is the base of your dish.
- Tomato sauce: This provides the comforting flavor you know and loves from Chef Boyardee Beefaroni.
- Onion, seasoning salt, and ground beef: These three form the hearty and flavorful meat mixture.
- Diced tomatoes: These are added to the mix for a burst of juiciness and texture.
- Fresh basil leaves and pepper: These two ingredients give your dish an added layer of flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese and garlic: Both of these provide a cheesy, garlicky taste that rounds out the meal perfectly.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C).
Step 2
Boil the elbow noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion until it is translucent and fragrant. Add in the ground beef and season with seasoning salt. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the beef is browned.
Step 4
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 5
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, stirring to combine everything together. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and diced garlic.
Step 6
Pour the beefaroni mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 7
Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 8
Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
-For a vegetarian version of this recipe, simply omit the ground beef. The dish will still be full of flavor from the tomato sauce and other ingredients.
-You can customize this dish by adding in your favorite spices or vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapenos.
-If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can substitute it with dried basil or Italian seasoning.
-If you want to make it a bit healthier, use whole-wheat noodles instead of regular ones.
-For an extra cheesy dish, top your Chef Boyardee Beefaroni with some shredded mozzarella cheese before baking.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan or pot
- Colander
- Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow noodles
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- seasoning salt to taste
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (14½ oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C).
- Boil the elbow noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion until it is translucent and fragrant. Add in the ground beef and season with seasoning salt. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the beef is browned.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, stirring to combine everything together. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and diced garlic.
- Pour the beefaroni mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Sodium: 832 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
What to serve with Chef Boyardee Beefaroni?
Chef Boyardee Beefaroni is the perfect comfort food dish that can be easily served with a variety of other sides. Here are some great pairing ideas:
-Grilled vegetables: Serve your beefaroni with some freshly grilled veggies like bell peppers, eggplant, and squash.
-Green salad: Add some green vegetables to your meal with a simple garden salad.
-Garlic bread: Create an Italian feast by adding a side of warm, crusty garlic bread.
-Steamed broccoli: This is an easy and healthy vegetable side dish that pairs perfectly with the cheesy beefaroni.
-Fruit salad: Balance out the richness of this dish with some bright and juicy fruit salad.
-Chips: Enjoy your beefaroni with a side of crunchy chips or tortilla chips.
How to store leftover Chef Boyardee Beefaroni?
Leftover Chef Boyardee Beefaroni can easily be stored for later use. To do this, simply place the cooked beefaroni in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The leftovers will stay fresh for up to four days.
To reheat your dish, transfer the beefaroni to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is heated through.
If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the microwave by transferring it to a-safe container and heating it on high power for 1 to 2 minutes. Make sure to stir the beefaroni every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, Chef Boyardee Beefaroni is safe for pregnant women to eat. However, it is recommended that they check with their doctor before consuming any new foods during pregnancy.
Additionally, pregnant women should always make sure to cook the dish thoroughly and ensure that all ingredients are fresh and free of contamination. As always, pregnant women should follow a balanced diet and eat in moderation.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese in this recipe. If you don’t have cheddar on hand, you can substitute it with shredded cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack. You can also experiment with different cheeses to find the flavor that best suits your tastes.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of water or broth. Start with 1 tablespoon at a time and stir until the desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, you can also add more tomato puree or diced tomatoes to make the sauce thinner.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it is possible to make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and checking the labels of all other ingredients for any hidden sources of wheat or gluten. Additionally, make sure to use a gluten-free beef broth or stock.
Wrapping Up
Chef Boyardee Beefaroni is a classic and delicious dish that can be easily made in just one pot. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don’t feel like spending too much time cooking.
Plus, it’s an easy way to please even the pickiest eaters! With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can have a comforting and delicious meal on the table in no time.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article has helped you better understand how to make Chef Boyardee Beefaroni.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
