Start by measuring out all your ingredients. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, ensuring it's evenly coated. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, setting everything aside in small bowls for easy access. This preparation will speed up your process as you cook the Beefaroni.

In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s browned. Then, toss in the diced onions and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, until they become soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease before continuing.

While your meat is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. When done, drain and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and the tomato paste, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly add in 1 cup of water or beef broth, mixing well to combine.

Increase the heat and bring the sauce mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken.

Once your macaroni is al dente, drain it well and add it to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the rich tomato sauce. Allow it to cook together on low for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.

Gradually stir in 1-1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. Continue mixing until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.

Once everything is well combined and gooey, remove the skillet from the heat. Optionally, sprinkle additional cheese on top and let it melt slightly before serving. Dish up generous portions of your Beefaroni and prepare for the smiles around the dinner table!