Craving a hearty, nostalgic meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this incredibly easy One Pot Beefaroni recipe. We’re talking savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce all cooked together in a single pan. This dish is the perfect answer to the weeknight dinner dilemma, delivering massive flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s a family-friendly classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Forget the canned stuff! Making beefaroni from scratch is unbelievably simple and tastes a million times better. You control the ingredients, the seasoning, and the cheesiness. Get ready to add a new staple to your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, from searing the beef to simmering the pasta. That means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: This recipe is designed for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious, satisfying dinner on the table in about half an hour.
- Family-Approved Flavor: The combination of savory beef, rich tomato, and melted cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this homemade beefaroni is easy on your wallet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cheesy beefaroni recipe uses pantry staples to create a truly memorable dish. Here’s what you need to grab:
- Ground Beef: I recommend using 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational layer of flavor. Fresh is best!
- Beef Broth: Using beef broth instead of water deepens the savory, meaty flavor of the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: A combination of smooth tomato sauce and diced tomatoes gives the sauce a perfect consistency and texture.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper are all you need to perfectly season this dish.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice for beefaroni! Ditalini or small shells also work well.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melt. Always shred your own from a block for the creamiest results. Looking for a different cheesy pull? Try one of these delicious cheesy twists.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this One Pot Beefaroni is as simple as it gets. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time.
- Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well to combine, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Get Cheesy: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Beefaroni
Want to elevate your one-pot meal? Here are a few expert tips to ensure your beefaroni is absolutely perfect.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, always buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will continue to cook in the hot sauce even after you remove it from the heat. Cook it until it’s just al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the finished beefaroni to rest for about 5 minutes before serving helps the sauce thicken up perfectly. For another cheesy and comforting dish, check out this amazing chili mac and cheese recipe.
Recipe Variations & Add-Ins
While this classic One Pot Beefaroni is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it:
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen corn, peas, or diced bell peppers along with the pasta to boost the nutritional value.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a little kick of heat.
- Switch the Protein: You can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef. For a richer flavor, try using Italian sausage. If you’re looking for a great leftover turkey idea, try this delicious turkey sandwich.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra nutty flavor.
Storing and Reheating
This beefaroni makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to a saucepan and gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Can I Freeze Beefaroni?
Yes, you can! Allow the beefaroni to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as instructed above. The pasta texture may be slightly softer after freezing, but it will still be delicious.
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting your favorite gluten-free small pasta. Be sure to check the package directions for cooking times, as they may vary, and adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Absolutely. You can cook it completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s a great meal prep option for busy weeks. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
To prevent sticking, make sure to stir the mixture well after adding the pasta. It’s also important to give it a few stirs while it’s simmering, especially towards the end of the cooking time.
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for beefaroni, but other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or rotini work wonderfully as well. The key is to choose a pasta that can cook in about 12-15 minutes.
While very similar, American goulash often has a broader range of seasonings, including more paprika and sometimes Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for deeper flavor. Beefaroni typically has a simpler, more tomato-and-cheese forward flavor profile, reminiscent of the classic canned version.
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting your favorite gluten-free small pasta. Be sure to check the package directions for cooking times, as they may vary, and adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Absolutely. You can cook it completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s a great meal prep option for busy weeks. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
To prevent sticking, make sure to stir the mixture well after adding the pasta. It’s also important to give it a few stirs while it’s simmering, especially towards the end of the cooking time.
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for beefaroni, but other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or rotini work wonderfully as well. The key is to choose a pasta that can cook in about 12-15 minutes.
While very similar, American goulash often has a broader range of seasonings, including more paprika and sometimes Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for deeper flavor. Beefaroni typically has a simpler, more tomato-and-cheese forward flavor profile, reminiscent of the classic canned version.
What to Serve with Beefaroni
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or some crusty garlic bread are all excellent choices to round out your dinner.
We Want to Hear From You!
We hope you love this easy One Pot Beefaroni recipe! It’s a true comfort food classic that brings everyone to the table. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
One Pot Beefaroni: The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal
This One Pot Beefaroni is the ultimate 30-minute comfort meal! Savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce all cook together in a single pan for a delicious, family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well to combine, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 1: For the creamiest sauce, always shred your cheese from a block.
Tip 2: Let the beefaroni rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken perfectly.
One Pot Beefaroni: The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well to combine, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Let the beefaroni rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken perfectly.
