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One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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