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One-Pot Beefaroni

Classic comfort food with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef lean or regular
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese optional (mozzarella, cheddar, or Italian blend)
  • fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot or deep skillet with lid
  • wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until beef is fully browned and onions are translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  2. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  3. Stir in elbow macaroni, ensuring most of it is submerged in the liquid.
  4. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
  5. Turn off heat. Stir in shredded cheese if using, mixing until completely melted and creamy.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen sauce. Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken works well. Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when browning beef for extra vegetables. Use any small pasta shape that cooks in similar time. Pro Tip: If pasta absorbs liquid too quickly, add extra broth or water, a quarter cup at a time. Stir regularly during simmering to prevent sticking. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.