One Pot Beefaroni is the cozy, all-in-one comfort food that promises cheesy, hearty satisfaction in every bite. This dish shines because it comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering all the flavors of your favorite childhood beefaroni—rich ground beef, saucy tomatoes, perfectly cooked pasta, and a blanket of melty cheese. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or you’re just craving something nurturing and nostalgic, you’ll fall in love with this simple yet generous meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of pantry staples and fresh basics combine to make One Pot Beefaroni such a delicious family favorite. Every ingredient on the list plays a key role—adding flavor, texture, or that irresistible cheesy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and a pro tip for each:
- Olive Oil: A little goes a long way for sautéing and adding a hint of richness.
- Ground Beef: The star of the show, offering heartiness and depth.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and savoriness as the backbone of flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that classic, crave-worthy aroma and taste.
- Salt: Essential seasoning, so everything pops with flavor.
- Black Pepper: Balances and wakes up all the other spices.
- Italian Seasoning: Everything tastes more “home-cooked” with this blend of herbs.
- Paprika: For subtle smoky notes and lovely color.
- Beef Broth: Imparts a savory base and keeps the pasta moist and full-flavored.
- Tomato Sauce: Rich and tangy, this is your saucy backbone.
- Tomato Paste: Doubles down on tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Elbow Macaroni: Classic, curly pasta shapes that hold on to all that sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: For that melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness everyone loves.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and extra dimension.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top brightens and livens up the entire dish.
How to Make One Pot Beefaroni
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned all over. This should take about five minutes. If your beef releases a lot of fat, feel free to drain off any excess before moving on—this keeps the finished One Pot Beefaroni from being greasy and lets the other flavors shine.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic right into the browned beef. Sauté for around two minutes until both are softened and fragrant. The aroma at this stage is unbeatable, and it’s the foundation for that signature beefaroni taste.
Step 3: Season and Sizzle
Now’s the time to season! Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir everything together so the spices coat the beef, onion, and garlic. A quick minute here not only blends all the flavors but also gives your One Pot Beefaroni its deep, layered taste.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and dollop in the tomato paste. Mix until it’s all well-combined and smooth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in your uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it all simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often. The pasta should become tender and most of the liquid will absorb, leaving just the right amount of sauciness.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle in your cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything is melted and creamy—this is where One Pot Beefaroni becomes truly irresistible! Give the mixture a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Finish with Freshness
To serve, shower your beefaroni with a handful of freshly chopped parsley. This little touch adds a pop of color and brightness to balance the dish’s richness. Time to dig in!
How to Serve One Pot Beefaroni
Garnishes
Always finish your One Pot Beefaroni with something fresh and vibrant! Chopped parsley is classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, some crushed red pepper for heat, or even a dollop of ricotta cheese for more decadence. Let everyone at the table customize their own bowl.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but a simple green salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread make wonderful accompaniments. If you want to keep things light, try a zesty cucumber-tomato salad or roasted broccoli. Each option makes the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, portion your One Pot Beefaroni into small cast iron skillets or ramekins for individual servings. You can also spoon it into hollowed-out peppers, bake with a cheesy topping, or serve over a bed of wilted spinach for a twist on tradition! Kids love it in mugs for “movie night dinners” too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One Pot Beefaroni stores beautifully in the fridge! Simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container, and they’ll keep for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so your lunch the next day could be even better than dinner.
Freezing
Absolutely, One Pot Beefaroni is freezer-friendly. Cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a true lifesaver for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your beefaroni in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir often for even warming. For single portions, the microwave works perfectly—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until hot and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, shells, penne, or rotini all work perfectly. Just keep an eye on cooking times—the goal is to reach tender, saucy perfection without overcooking.
Is it possible to make One Pot Beefaroni gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be mindful to reduce the simmering time if needed, as gluten-free varieties can become soft faster.
How can I add more vegetables?
Toss in a handful of fresh spinach, peas, bell pepper, or even diced zucchini when you add the pasta. These extras blend right in and sneak more nutrition into every bite of your One Pot Beefaroni.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are delicious, lighter alternatives to beef. Just note that they’re leaner, so consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
What’s the secret to extra-creamy One Pot Beefaroni?
The magic is in the cheese! For an ultra-creamy finish, stir in a splash of whole milk or a spoonful of cream cheese along with the cheddar and Parmesan. It melts in silkily and makes the sauce even dreamier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely special about sharing a bowl of One Pot Beefaroni—a dish that brings big flavor, warm memories, and happy smiles, all with minimal effort. Give it a try for your next cozy dinner, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new go-to for all your busy weeknights!
Print
One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting one-pot meal, this Beefaroni recipe is a delicious combination of ground beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Liquids:
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add ground beef, and cook until browned.
- Add Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Add Liquids: Stir in beef broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Cook Pasta: Add elbow macaroni, simmer until pasta is tender.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until creamy.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add Worcestershire sauce when adding the broth.
- Try ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
- Boost the dish with spinach or peas for added veggies.
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