One Pot Beefaroni

One Pot Beefaroni is the ultimate quick, nostalgic, and budget-friendly weeknight meal. It takes the classic flavors of saucy ground beef and tender macaroni and combines them into a single pot, guaranteeing minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy families or anyone craving simple, hearty comfort food.

The magic lies in cooking the pasta directly in the tomato and beef broth mixture. The starch released by the macaroni naturally thickens the sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture that coats the pasta and meat beautifully. Finished with a swirl of cheese, this Beefaroni is a guaranteed trip down memory lane.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients for One Pot Beefaroni
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Chef’s Notes & Tips
• Perfect Pairings for Beefaroni
• Storage & Reheating Tips
• FAQs

Ingredients for One Pot Beefaroni

Using a high-sided pot or Dutch oven is best for even cooking and stirring. This recipe yields 4 servings:

• Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Italian blend)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is streamlined for a true one-pot experience.

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent.

Step 2: Add Liquid and Pasta

Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth (or water), and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine thoroughly. Then, add the elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The pasta will absorb the liquid and cook to tender perfection. Check the pasta for doneness 2 minutes before the time is up to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese (Optional)

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheese, if using. Allow it to melt smoothly into the beefaroni for added creaminess and richness.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

• Preventing Sticking: Stir frequently while the dish is simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Adjusting Sauce: If the pasta absorbs the liquid too quickly and the dish seems dry, add a splash of extra beef broth or water to maintain a saucy consistency.
• Customization: Boost nutrition by tossing in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach after browning the beef.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of liquid to prevent drying out.

Perfect Pairings for Beefaroni

A hearty pasta dish pairs best with something light and crunchy.

• Garlic Bread: The essential side dish for any saucy pasta or beef dish.
• Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
• Steamed Broccoli: A quick, healthy green vegetable side.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Because the pasta continues to absorb liquid, add a few tablespoons of water or beef broth when reheating to achieve the original saucy texture.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, small pasta shapes like rotini, small shells, or penne work well. Cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness around the 13-minute mark.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean substitute. You may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning the turkey to prevent sticking.

Is it necessary to cover the pot during simmering?

Yes, covering the pot traps the steam and ensures the pasta cooks evenly and quickly using the liquid present.

Conclusion

One Pot Beefaroni is proof that the best comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just one pot and 30 minutes, you can serve up a dish that is filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to clean up!

Erin Clark

One Pot Beefaroni

One Pot Beefaroni is a quick, classic comfort dish featuring ground beef and elbow macaroni in a savory tomato sauce. Since everything cooks in a single pot, it minimizes cleanup while delivering a hearty, cheesy meal in just 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish, Pasta

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Italian blend)

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven for one-pot cooking

Method

 

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent.
2. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth (or water), and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine thoroughly. Then, add the elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The pasta will absorb the liquid and cook to tender perfection. Check the pasta for doneness 2 minutes before the time is up to avoid overcooking.
4. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheese, if using. Allow it to melt smoothly into the beefaroni for added creaminess and richness.

Notes

Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking. If the dish becomes too dry while cooking, add a splash of extra beef broth or water. You can customize the dish by adding diced vegetables (like bell peppers or mushrooms) after browning the beef. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days, adding liquid when reheating to restore moisture.