Description
One Pot Beefaroni is a comforting and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. This hearty dish combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, all cooked together in one pot for easy preparation and cleanup. Topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, it’s a nostalgic, flavorful dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (can substitute with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version)
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (alternative small pastas include shells, penne, or rotini)
- 24 ounces Tomato Sauce (opt for a good quality sauce for the best flavor)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 cups Cheese (shredded) (mozzarella or cheddar work well)
- 1 cup Parsley or Basil (fresh) (adds color and freshness)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan (grated) (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Add pasta and simmer: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot, pushing it down so it is mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melt the cheese: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture throughout the pot.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pot from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan if using. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can easily make this vegetarian by swapping the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Use good quality tomato sauce to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or milk when melting the cheese.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a nice pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
