Description
One Pot Beefaroni is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this classic comfort meal is easy to prepare, filling, budget-friendly, and customizable, making it ideal for family dinners and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main 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)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: 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.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: 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 mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: 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.
- Finish with Cheese (Optional): 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.
Notes
- Use fresh onion and garlic for deeper flavor.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check pasta two minutes before the suggested time to avoid overcooking.
- If the pasta absorbs liquid too quickly, add a splash of broth or water to keep it saucy.
- Add cheese gradually to prevent clumping and maintain creamy texture.
- Customize with vegetables, spices, or different cheeses based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg