why make this recipe
One Pot Beefaroni is a great choice for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. It’s quick to prepare, cooks in one pot for easy cleanup, and is packed with flavor that the whole family will love. Plus, you can customize it with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste!
how to make One Pot Beefaroni
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)
Directions :
- 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 onions are translucent, building a savory base for the dish.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth or water, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, then add elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the sauce and liquids, cooking to tender perfection.
- Once the pasta is tender and the sauce thickened, stir in shredded cheese if desired. Allow it to melt smoothly into the beefaroni for extra creaminess and richness.
how to serve One Pot Beefaroni
Serve One Pot Beefaroni hot, directly from the pot. It’s delicious on its own, or you can add a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For added flavor, sprinkle some extra cheese or fresh herbs on top before serving.
how to store One Pot Beefaroni
To store One Pot Beefaroni, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
tips to make One Pot Beefaroni
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Don’t skip the garlic and onions, as they add wonderful flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or sour cream before serving.
- Use any type of cheese you have on hand for variety.
variation
You can easily vary this dish by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also swap out the elbow macaroni for other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. For a healthier version, try using whole grain or gluten-free pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I make One Pot Beefaroni ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge or freeze it, then reheat when you’re ready to eat.
2. What can I serve with One Pot Beefaroni?
This dish is great on its own, but you can pair it with a salad, breadsticks, or garlic bread for a fuller meal.
3. Can I add other proteins to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage instead of beef. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Print
One Pot Beefaroni
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, packed with flavor and customizable with your favorite cheeses.
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)
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until fully browned and onions are translucent.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth or water, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Add elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheese if desired, allowing it to melt smoothly into the beefaroni.
Notes
Allow beefaroni to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg