One Pot Beefaroni
Hey there, food-loving friend! Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe. This isn’t just about throwing some ingredients together; it’s about whipping up pure joy in a dish that’ll make your taste buds sing. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Imagine those cozy nights, or those bustling get-togethers – this dish fits right in, bringing warmth, flavor, and a whole lot of happy vibes to the table. Seriously, prepare to fall in love.
Why You’ll Love One Pot Beefaroni
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
This dish is incredibly adaptable, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively gathering. You can easily adjust it to suit your mood or the occasion.
Budget-Friendly
Made with readily available and affordable ingredients, this recipe proves that delicious food doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s a smart choice for any meal plan.
Quick and Easy
No complicated steps or endless hours in the kitchen here! This recipe is designed for ease, letting you enjoy fantastic flavors without the fuss.
Customizable
Feel free to unleash your inner chef! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Want to add a little something extra? Go for it!
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this casserole it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef
The hearty base of our Beefaroni! Lean ground beef browns up beautifully, adding savory depth and a satisfying texture to every bite.
Elbow Macaroni
These little pasta elbows are perfect for soaking up all the rich, tomatoey sauce. They cook right in the pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Canned Diced Tomatoes
Bringing that vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet tomato flavor that’s essential for a classic Beefaroni.
Tomato Sauce
Adds more rich tomato goodness and helps create that luscious, comforting sauce.
Beef Broth
The liquid gold that simmers with the pasta and beef, infusing everything with even more savory flavor.
Onion
Aromatic and foundational, a finely chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic
Because every good savory dish deserves a little garlic! It brings a warm, pungent kick that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Italian Seasoning
A fantastic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that instantly elevates the flavor profile.
Salt and Black Pepper
The essential seasonings to bring out all the deliciousness. Adjust to your taste!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
For that irresistible, melty, cheesy finish that pulls everything together and adds a layer of creamy indulgence.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Brown the Beef
In the preheated pot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. This step develops the savory base of the dish.
Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned beef and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds a beautiful aromatic foundation.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cook to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Be sure to follow the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking or drying out the dish.
Finishing Touches
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-550 calories, depending on specific ingredients and quantities used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve One Pot Beefaroni
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience: serve it with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, some crusty garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce, or even steamed green beans for a pop of color and freshness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe: don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or a Colby Jack blend for a different flavor, and if you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. For extra veggies, you can stir in some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- How do I store leftover One Pot Beefaroni?
- Can I freeze One Pot Beefaroni?
- What if my Beefaroni is too thick or too thin?
- Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
- What kind of ground beef is best to use?
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- How can I make this spicier?
- Why is it called “One Pot” Beefaroni?
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
CONCLUSION
And there you have it, my friend! A recipe that’s more than just food it’s an experience, a cozy moment, a reason to gather and celebrate. I’m so excited for you to try this one and make it your own. Get cooking, and get ready for some serious deliciousness!
Print
One Pot Beefaroni
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef and elbow macaroni in a savory, cheesy tomato sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for busy weeknights, and often brings back nostalgic memories of classic Beefaroni, but with a homemade twist.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if browning beef)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (preferably no salt added) OR 2 (10.75 ounce) cans tomato soup OR 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce + 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (preferably no salt added) (optional, if using crushed tomatoes)
- 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or a large skillet with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no longer pink. If using lean ground beef, you may not need olive oil. Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the browned beef and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the onions are tender and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes (or tomato soup/sauce/paste combination), beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), brown sugar (if using), Dijon mustard (if using), and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it is completely submerged in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 12-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta.
- Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and well combined.
- Serve immediately, topped with additional shredded Parmesan cheese and/or fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes before adding the pasta.
- Adjust the amount of beef broth as needed; if the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it’s cooked, add a splash more to keep it simmering gently.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
- Other short pastas like shells or mini ziti can be used in place of elbow macaroni.
- For added vegetables, sauté chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion.
- Freshly shredding cheese from a block will yield a creamier melt than pre-shredded cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and often taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 250-400g)
- Calories: 217-400 (varies based on specific ingredients and portion size)
- Sugar: 5-13g
- Sodium: 202-1280mg (varies significantly with low-sodium ingredients vs. regular)
- Fat: 3-13g
- Saturated Fat: 1-5g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 16-54g
- Fiber: 1-6g
- Protein: 8-31g
- Cholesterol: 5-44mg
Keywords: Beefaroni, One-Pot, Pasta, Ground Beef, Tomato Sauce, Easy Dinner, Family Meal, Comfort Food
