If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup, this One Pot Beefaroni Recipe is going to be your new go-to dinner. Imagine tender ground beef simmered in rich tomato sauce with tender pasta, all cooked in one pot to lock in flavor and make cooking—and cleanup—a breeze. It’s a nostalgic, satisfying dish that blends savory, cheesy goodness with a cozy, homestyle vibe, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, making the dish effortless yet incredibly flavorful. From the juicy ground beef that offers hearty satisfaction to the zing of Italian seasoning and freshness of garlic and onion, every element contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 lb ground beef: The meaty foundation that brings richness and depth.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives an aromatic punch that brightens the dish.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, tangy base for our sauce.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides chunks of juicy tomato texture and extra flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: Intensifies the beefy taste while cooking the pasta.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or any small pasta: Absorbs all the delicious sauce and softens perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Earthy herbs that tie the whole dish together.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat kick if you like a little spice.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts in beautifully for that creamy, cheesy finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brings a pop of color and fresh brightness.
How to Make One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. When it’s ready, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy but leaving all that rich flavor behind.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This step builds a savory aromatic base that brings wonderful depth to the final dish.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauces and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce and the full can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the beef broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, plus salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine the layers of flavor that will simmer and marry beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in the Pasta
Next, add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir well so every piece gets coated with the sauce mixture. This one-pot method lets the pasta soak up all those savory liquids as it cooks, resulting in a richly flavored meal.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it and let everything simmer gently, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed—perfectly cooked with a saucy finish.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheese
When the pasta is perfectly tender, remove the pot from heat. Add the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese and stir until it melts gloriously into the beefaroni, creating that irresistible gooey, cheesy texture we all love.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve your One Pot Beefaroni piping hot and watch it disappear in no time.
How to Serve One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only gives a burst of color but also a hint of brightness against the rich tomato and cheese flavors. For extra indulgence, a dusting of grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes can add a perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish stands on its own as a full meal, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonderfully to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm rolls are ideal companions for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beefaroni in mini cast-iron skillets or individual ramekins to make it feel extra special. Adding a drizzle of olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves can elevate the presentation for company or a cozy family night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One Pot Beefaroni Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it taste just as good—or better—the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this beefaroni freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave some room as the pasta might expand slightly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta seems dry to restore its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other kinds of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work just as well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they cook through perfectly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it hearty and flavorful without the meat.
Can I add vegetables to the One Pot Beefaroni Recipe?
Definitely! Adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach is a great way to boost nutrition and texture. Just toss them in with the onions and garlic or during simmering, depending on the vegetable.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate kick, but you can easily leave them out for a milder dish or increase the amount for more heat based on your preference.
What type of cheese melts best for this dish?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that gooey stretchiness, while cheddar adds a sharper flavor. You can even mix both to combine melty texture with robust taste.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Beefaroni Recipe is the epitome of comfort food that’s simple, satisfying, and downright delicious. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make over and over again, whether as a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for friends and family. Give it a try—you may just find your new favorite way to enjoy a classic beefaroni!
Print
One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
One Pot Beefaroni is a hearty and comforting pasta dish that combines ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and tender elbow macaroni, all cooked together in a single pot for an easy and delicious weeknight meal. Finished with melted cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe offers rich flavors and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or any small pasta
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add pasta and combine: Pour in the elbow macaroni and stir everything together so the pasta is evenly distributed in the sauce mixture.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 15 minutes.
- Incorporate cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use either elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape you prefer, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Drain the ground beef fat thoroughly to reduce greasiness and improve flavor.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
