One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

Introduction

One Pot Beefaroni is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. This simple recipe combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

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 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Italian blend)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until fully browned and the onions are translucent.
2. Step 2: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth or water, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, then add elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: If desired, stir in shredded cheese and allow it to melt smoothly into the beefaroni before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
• Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to lighten the dish or make it suitable for other diets.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for extra veggies.

Storage

Store leftover beefaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini can be used but may require slightly different cooking times to become tender in the sauce.

Is it necessary to brown the beef first?

Browning the beef along with the onions and garlic builds rich flavor and helps create a savory base, but you can skip browning for a quicker version if pressed for time.

One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

A comforting and hearty One Pot Beefaroni recipe featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all cooked together in a single pot for an easy and delicious meal. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and optionally finished with melted cheese for added richness.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Italian blend)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef and Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook while breaking up the beef with a spoon, until fully browned and the onions are translucent, creating a savory base for the dish.
2. Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth or water, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly, then add the elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
3. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. During this time, the pasta will absorb the sauce and liquids, cooking to tender perfection.
4. Finish with Cheese (Optional): Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in shredded cheese if desired. Allow the cheese to melt smoothly into the beefaroni, adding a creamy and rich finish to this satisfying one-pot meal.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content for a healthier version.
• Be sure to stir occasionally during simmering to avoid pasta sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Substitute beef broth with water for a lighter flavor, or use low-sodium broth for less salt.
• Optionally, swap the elbow macaroni for other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.

Keywords: beefaroni, one pot meal, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, comforting, stovetop recipe