If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that’s all about comfort and convenience, One Pot Beefaroni is your new go-to. Imagine tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, tomatoey sauce all simmered together in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate — simple, satisfying, and totally irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat for weeknight dinners.
Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort — the kind of meal that feels homemade but comes together fast.
Why You’ll Love One Pot Beefaroni
Simple & Convenient: All cooked in one pot, which means fewer dishes and less stress.
Rich & Flavorful: The savory beef and tangy tomato sauce soak into the pasta for every bite to be pure comfort.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this classic, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients without skimping on taste.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes — ideal for busy nights when time is tight.
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Ingredients in One Pot Beefaroni
Ground Beef
Lean or regular, browned and seasoned for rich flavor.
Pasta
Elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape cooks perfectly in the sauce.
Tomato Sauce
Creates the savory, tangy base that ties the dish together.
Diced Tomatoes
Adds texture and a fresh tomato flavor boost.
Onion & Garlic
Sautéed to bring depth and aroma to the sauce.
Beef Broth or Water
Used to cook the pasta right in the sauce, making everything extra flavorful.
Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for that classic Italian taste.
Salt & Pepper
To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Shredded Cheese (optional)
Mozzarella or cheddar melted in or sprinkled on top for a gooey finish.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Combine Ingredients
Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
No additional prep needed—just use the same pot throughout!
Assemble the Dish
Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and broth. Stir to combine.
Cook to Perfection
Add the uncooked pasta, bring everything to a simmer, and cook covered for about 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finishing Touches
If you like, stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy or sprinkle on top before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop into bowls and enjoy warm — perfect on its own or with a side of garlic bread.
How to Serve One Pot Beefaroni
- With a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette for freshness
- Alongside steamed veggies for a balanced meal
- Topped with extra cheese and fresh herbs for an indulgent twist
Additional Tips
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- For extra veggies, toss in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms while browning the beef.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.
Q2: Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
It’s best to cook pasta directly in the sauce for maximum flavor, but pre-cooked can be stirred in at the end to warm through.
Q3: How long does this dish keep?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q4: Can I freeze One Pot Beefaroni?
Absolutely! Freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.
Q5: What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar or a blend also works great.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Conclusion
This One Pot Beefaroni is the perfect weeknight winner—comforting, easy, and delicious with minimal cleanup. It brings classic, hearty flavors to your table fast and fuss-free. Give it a whirl and get ready to enjoy a new family favorite!
Print
One Pot Beefaroni
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
One Pot Beefaroni is a classic, hearty pasta dish where ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce simmer together for a quick and delicious meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 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
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- For a creamier dish, stir in a splash of cream or sour cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg