One Pot Beefaroni is a cozy, family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. Ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and tender elbow macaroni simmer in one pot for comfort without the cleanup, making it perfect for hungry kids and grown-ups alike. Try it tonight for an easy, satisfying meal inspired by bold weeknight flavors.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Beefaroni
- Big, comforting flavor from simple pantry ingredients.
- Ready in about 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
- Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot.
- Family-friendly and great for picky eaters.
- Makes reliable leftovers that reheat well.
- Easy to customize to your taste or what’s in the fridge using ideas from a favorite weeknight recipe resource.
Ingredients Needed
- Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
- Rice/Grains
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Veggies
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- Spices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions 5
1. Brown the beef
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté the aromatics
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add liquids and pasta
Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well so the pasta is submerged.
4. Simmer covered
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the macaroni is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. Finish with cheese
If desired, stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy, then let rest a minute before serving.
6. Serve and enjoy
Scoop into bowls and enjoy your comforting dinner hot.
Serving Suggestions One Pot Beefaroni
- Serve with a crisp green salad and a simple vinaigrette for freshness.
- Offer garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up extra sauce.
- Top with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for color.
- Add a side of roasted veggies for a heartier plate.
- Pair with a light iced tea or a sparkling lemonade, similar to flavors that go well with honey chipotle chicken tacos.
Tips for Success One Pot Beefaroni
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the sauce while the pasta cooks.
- Stir occasionally to prevent macaroni from sticking to the bottom.
- If the mixture gets too dry before pasta is tender, add 1/4 cup more beef broth and continue cooking.
- For best texture, slightly undercook pasta since it will soften a bit while resting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For reheating, add a splash of broth and heat gently on the stovetop to restore creaminess, borrowing techniques from a similar one-pot pasta.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Go dairy-free by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based shredded cheese.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Rice/Grains
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Veggies
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese Optional, for creaminess and flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well so the pasta is submerged.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the macaroni is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- If desired, stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy, then let rest a minute before serving.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy your comforting dinner hot.
