If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that brings together tender beef, tangy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one pot, you’re in for a treat with this One Pot Beefaroni Recipe. It’s a delicious, fuss-free meal that tastes like a warm hug on a plate, and the best part is how effortlessly everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup just as easy as the cooking. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy with its rich flavors and hearty texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One Pot Beefaroni Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, ensuring every bite is satisfying and well-rounded.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein adds savory richness and a meaty texture that makes this dish so hearty.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, fragrant depth.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Provides a smooth, tangy foundation for the sauce.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and bursts of fresh tomato flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps the pasta cooking perfectly in the sauce.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or any small pasta: The classic choice for beefaroni; its small shape holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to balance all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Adds melty, gooey richness when stirred in at the end.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Provides a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich flavors.
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, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s fully browned, be sure to drain any excess fat. This step builds a meaty, flavorful base that will carry the entire dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
To the same pot, add your diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook for about three minutes or until the onions become soft and translucent. This step adds a sweet and aromatic layer that complements the beef so well.
Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce and undrained diced tomatoes along with their juice. Then add the beef broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine all those tantalizing flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate the Pasta
Now, add the elbow macaroni or your pasta of choice right into the pot. Stir well so that the pasta is evenly mixed with the sauce and liquid. This one-pot method lets the pasta soak up all the delicious juices as it cooks.
Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed—about 15 minutes. This slow simmer develops a rich, thick sauce that clings to every noodle.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheese. Watch it melt into the hot pasta and sauce, adding a creamy, luscious finish that’s simply irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this soul-satisfying meal hot, straight from the pot to your plate.
How to Serve One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a lovely green color but also a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness. You might also enjoy a little freshly grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch or a drizzle of olive oil for some lusciousness on top.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is packed with everything you need in one, simple sides work best. A crisp green salad, some steamed or roasted vegetables, or even a slice of crusty garlic bread make great accompaniments that complement but don’t overpower your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this One Pot Beefaroni Recipe in a deep dish or rustic bowl to showcase its saucy goodness. For a family gathering, consider a casserole-style presentation topped with extra cheese and baked until golden and bubbly for a crowd-pleasing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Beefaroni keeps really well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain its flavors and prevent it from drying out. It actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just cool it completely before packing into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick to help loosen up the sauce and restore that just-cooked consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this dish?
Absolutely! Although elbow macaroni is traditional for beefaroni, you can use any small pasta shapes like mini shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a tasty vegetarian version.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
It’s very mild, as only half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes is used. Feel free to omit them if you prefer no heat or add a bit more if you like it spicier.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and just reheat it later?
Definitely! This dish reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and warm up portions as needed.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
Mozzarella melts wonderfully and gives that classic gooey texture. Cheddar adds a sharper, richer flavor. You can even mix both or try provolone for a twist.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Beefaroni Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels like a hug in a bowl—hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, yet incredibly easy to make and clean up after. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that will please everyone at the table. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to for weeknight dinners and cozy family meals!
Print
One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and comforting one-pot beefaroni recipe that combines ground beef, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and elbow macaroni in a savory Italian-seasoned broth. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a cheesy, flavorful meal with 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 and Seasonings
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or any small pasta
- 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 Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes, to develop rich flavors.
- Add Tomato-Based Ingredients and Seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper to taste. This mixture forms the saucy base of the dish.
- Add Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni or pasta of choice and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 15 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh finish and serve hot for a delicious family meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Use lactose-free cheese or a vegan cheese alternative to make this dish lactose-free or vegan, respectively.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
