Description
This One Pot Beefaroni recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make meal combining tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features simple ingredients cooked together in a single pot, resulting in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Italian blend)
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook while breaking up the beef with a spoon until the meat is fully browned and the onions become translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth or water, and Italian seasoning until evenly mixed. Then add the elbow macaroni, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot and ensure even cooking. The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender.
- Finish with cheese: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in shredded cheese if desired. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a creamy and rich finish to the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh onion and garlic for a deeper and fresher flavor.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check the pasta for doneness two minutes before the suggested cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- If the pasta absorbs liquid too quickly, add extra broth or water in small amounts to maintain a saucy consistency.
- Add cheese gradually and stir well to prevent clumping and achieve a creamy texture.
- Feel free to customize by adding vegetables, adjusting spices, or using different types of cheese to suit your taste.
