If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that combines the best of cheesy pasta and savory beef, the One Pot Beefaroni Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a luscious blend of cheeses—all cooked in one pot for simplicity and incredible flavor. It’s a family-friendly favorite that comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings. Trust me, the creamy texture and bold seasonings will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly essentials that each play an important role in building the rich flavor and satisfying texture of this One Pot Beefaroni Recipe. From the savory beef and aromatic garlic to the cheeses that add melty creaminess, everything comes together seamlessly.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps brown the beef for deeper flavor.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the dish, providing rich, meaty flavor and protein.
- Small onion, finely diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Sprinkles of aromatic warmth that elevate the overall taste.
- Tomato sauce (15 ounces): The saucy base, lending tanginess and body.
- Diced tomatoes (15 ounces): Adds texture and fresh tomato flavor.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Provides savory liquid for perfectly cooking the pasta and enriching the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the dish its classic Italian-American vibe.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Introduces a smoky hint and vibrant color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors effortlessly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right gentle kick.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (2 cups): The tender pasta that absorbs all the delicious sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into creamy, cheesy goodness throughout.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Offers a salty, umami finish that’s irresistible.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note and pretty garnish.
How to Make One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, stirring with a spoon to break it apart. It’s important to cook it until nicely browned as this caramelization builds deep flavors, making the dish truly satisfying. Once browned, drain off any excess fat for a leaner result.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, stir in the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step releases their natural sweetness and aromas, which gently meld into the beef and create a luscious flavor base for your sauce.
Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so that all those wonderful seasonings are evenly distributed. This mixture will soon become the rich, flavorful broth that the pasta cooks in, so take a moment to appreciate those vibrant colors and aromas.
Step 4: Incorporate the Uncooked Pasta
Now add your uncooked elbow macaroni right to the pot. Stir once more to combine, then bring the mixture to a boiling point over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help the pasta cook evenly until it’s tender and most liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Remove the pot from the heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. The heat from the pasta and sauce will melt the cheese, transforming the dish into a creamy, cheesy delight. This final step brings that comforting gooey texture that makes this One Pot Beefaroni Recipe simply irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a fresh herbal lift. Your dish is now ready to serve warm and enjoy straight from the pot!
How to Serve One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish because it adds vibrant green color and a mild herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. You could also try finely shredded basil or a little extra Parmesan for an elegant touch that amps up the flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty filling and stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia also makes a delightful accompaniment, perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this beefaroni in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. It turns an everyday dinner into a restaurant-worthy presentation that always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Beefaroni Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect meal for busy weekdays or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save this meal for even longer, you can freeze it. Place cooled beefaroni in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beefaroni gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly without drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the creamy texture if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and cooks evenly in this recipe, you can substitute with small shells, rotini, or penne as they work well with the sauce and cooking method.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian twist that still has wonderful texture and flavor.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder or hotter?
This dish is generally mild. To add heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when adding seasonings. For a milder version, simply omit any spicy additions.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can brown the beef and prepare the sauce ahead, then refrigerate separately and add the pasta when reheating to avoid overcooking. However, it’s best enjoyed freshly made for the creamiest results.
What’s a good substitute for fresh parsley if I don’t have any?
Dried parsley works in a pinch, though fresh adds a brighter flavor. You can also use fresh basil or chives as an alternative garnish for a different but delicious herbal note.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this One Pot Beefaroni Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those magical meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day—easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table. Once you taste that creamy, cheesy beef and tomato goodness mingled with tender pasta, you’ll understand why it has such a special place in my heart and hopefully yours too!
Print
One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Beefaroni is a hearty and comforting American classic that combines tender ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and cheesy pasta in one easy stovetop meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor base for your beefaroni.
- Add Sauces and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavorful elements thoroughly.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is evenly distributed in the sauce mixture.
- Simmer the Dish: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, giving the dish a rich, cheesy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot for a comforting family meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking.
- This dish reheats very well and makes great leftovers for next-day meals.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Adding a handful of vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can boost the nutritional value.
