Description
One Pot Beefaroni is a comforting and quick pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce simmered together with Italian seasoning, this hearty meal is finished with melted cheese and fresh herbs for a delightful, creamy texture and robust flavor all from a single pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound Ground Beef (can substitute with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version)
Pasta and Grains
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (alternative small pastas include shells, penne, or rotini)
Liquids
- 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)
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 cup Parsley or Basil (fresh)
Dairy
- 2 cups Shredded Cheese (mozzarella or cheddar work well)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan (grated) (optional but highly recommended)
Produce
- 1 medium Diced Onion (implied in instructions)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (implied in instructions)
Instructions
- Brown the beef and sauté aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add pasta and simmer: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot, pushing it down so it is mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate cheese for creaminess: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheese until it is melted and creamy throughout the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish your One Pot Beefaroni with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to make this dish vegetarian.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian variation.
- Small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini can be used instead of elbow macaroni.
- Adding Parmesan cheese at the end enhances flavor but is optional.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
