One Pot Beefaroni

Introduction

Few dinner recipes check the boxes of comfort, simplicity, and crowd-pleasing appeal quite like One Pot Beefaroni. This classic dish pairs tender macaroni with savory ground beef and a robustly seasoned tomato sauce—all cooked in a single pot to minimize cleanup. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this recipe delivers a hearty, nostalgic meal in under 30 minutes.

Why One Pot Beefaroni Is a Must-Try

One Pot Beefaroni holds its charm by blending pantry staples for an easy, cheesy, and flavorsome dish that resonates with all ages. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: swap in your favorite pasta shapes, add extra veggies, or finish with a sprinkle of cheese. Plus, with only one pot to wash, you’re left with more time to savor every forkful.

Making the Sauce and Browning the Beef

The heart of Beefaroni lies in perfectly browned beef and a seasoned tomato base. Start by chopping onions, garlic, or any extra vegetables you like. Using a high-quality, heat-resistant utensil such as the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Black makes it a breeze to break the beef into fine crumbles, ensuring even browning and great texture.

After draining any excess fat, stir in aromatic spices and a flavorful tomato sauce. Allow everything to simmer so the flavors marry deeply before the pasta goes in.

Everything Cooks in One Pot

There’s no need to boil the pasta separately—simply pour dry macaroni into the bubbling sauce, add broth, and let it cook together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta absorbs the dish’s rich flavors, and the starchy cooking liquid helps create a luxurious, thick sauce.

For evenly chopped veggies, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a time-saver and ensures every bite gets a burst of flavor.

Serving & Storage Tips

Once your Beefaroni reaches al dente perfection, top it with a generous handful of shredded cheese and let it melt for an irresistible finish. For simple and eco-friendly leftover storage, pack portions in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup)—they keep everything fresh and easy to reheat.

This dish is easy to portion and pack for lunch the next day in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves around 6, with each hearty bowl delivering approximately 425–475 calories. The calorie count may change depending on cheese type or added ingredients, making it a filling (but reasonable) dinner choice.

One Pot Beefaroni Recap

One Pot Beefaroni is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, offering rich flavors and creamy, cheesy satisfaction with minimal cleanup. Its flexibility and quick assembly guarantee repeat requests from kids and adults alike.

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high and add a splash of olive oil. Add the onion (and bell pepper if using) and sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Black. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and no longer pink.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, bringing to a gentle simmer.
5. Add dry macaroni and broth. Stir. Raise the heat to bring everything to a boil, then lower to maintain a simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar.
6. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just al dente and most liquid is absorbed. (If mixture gets too thick, add a splash more broth.)
7. Turn off the heat and stir in the cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Spoon into bowls, top with more cheese, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes as desired. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers or pack for lunch in a Bentgo Salad Container.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy homestyle comfort in a single pot—with easy cleanup, big flavor, and plenty of nostalgia, this One Pot Beefaroni is set to become a weeknight dinner staple.