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Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 12 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that doesn’t require a million pots and pans, you’re going to love this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something hearty and satisfying but still quick enough to get on the table after a busy day. The beauty is in its simplicity—ground beef, pasta, and that rich tomato sauce all meld together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.

What really makes this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe stand out for me is how creamy and flavorful it gets with just a handful of pantry staples. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just want a quick lunch, this recipe hits all those comfort food notes without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to weeknight dinner too!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in the same pot, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup.
  • Balanced Flavors: The tomato paste, seasonings, and heavy cream create a rich, savory sauce that’s not too acidic or heavy.
  • Tender Pasta and Meat Combo: Cooking pasta directly in the broth with the beef means it absorbs maximum flavor while staying perfectly tender.
  • Flexible Ingredient Options: You can easily swap types of pasta or add veggies, making it highly adaptable to your pantry and preferences.
A close-up of a thick, creamy pasta dish being lifted with a silver utensil from a white pot. The dish has short tube pasta mixed with ground meat in a rich orange-brown sauce that looks smooth and slightly shiny, with small bits of herbs and tomato visible. The pot’s inside rim is stained with sauce, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe brings together simple, affordable ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one contributes something important, whether it’s richness, depth, or heartiness, so it’s worth picking good quality versions for best results.

  • Ground Beef: Choose a lean-to-medium fat ratio for juicy flavor without too much grease.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and aroma that enhances the overall sauce.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic lends a pungent kick that brightens the dish.
  • Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
  • Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite jarred kind—it’s the base for the savory tomato goodness.
  • Ziti Pasta: Holds sauce well and cooks evenly; but elbows or penne work just as well.
  • Beef Broth: Adds richness and depth, infusing the pasta with more flavor than water alone.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: Layered seasonings boost complexity without extra effort.
  • Heavy Cream: Smooths the sauce, making it creamy and luxurious in every bite.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how adaptable this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe is. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Feel free to play around with veggies, cheese, or even swap out the beef if you want!

  • Vegetable Boost: I sometimes stir in frozen peas or corn near the end for a pop of color and sweetness—instant nutrition upgrade!
  • Cheesy Finish: Adding shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top before serving always makes it a hit with my kids.
  • Pasta Swaps: Penne, elbow macaroni, or rotini work great if that’s what you have on hand—I’ve tried them all.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: You can skip the heavy cream and stir in a splash of coconut milk or plant-based cream for a creamy texture without dairy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

Step 1: Brown that Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your large pot over medium heat and adding the ground beef along with diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Stir often to break up the meat, and cook until the beef is browned and onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. I always drain the excess grease here to keep the dish from being too oily, but if you want a richer flavor, you can leave a little bit in.

Step 2: Build Depth with Tomato Paste

Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 2-3 minutes. This step is key because it toasts the paste slightly, bringing out an intense richness and slightly sweet note that makes the sauce taste homemade rather than jarred.

Step 3: Add Spaghetti Sauce and Seasonings

Pour in your jar of spaghetti sauce along with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Stir everything together so all those layers of flavor meld. This is where the base of your sauce really comes together.

Step 4: Pasta and Broth Go In

Add the ziti (or your preferred pasta) and pour in the beef broth, making sure the pasta is completely submerged. This helps the pasta cook evenly while soaking up all the flavor in the pot. Bring everything up to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender but not mushy and the sauce has thickened just right.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Adjust Seasoning

Stir in the heavy cream to give the sauce a luscious, velvety finish. Let it simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to thicken up and develop more flavor. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This final step transforms the dish into pure comfort food perfection!

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

  • Drain Grease Well: Removing excess fat after browning the beef prevents the sauce from getting greasy, keeping flavors balanced.
  • Even Pasta Cooking: Make sure your pasta is fully submerged in the broth to ensure even cooking and avoid dry edges.
  • Stir Occasionally: Stir the pot every few minutes while simmering to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
  • Don’t Rush the Cream Addition: Adding heavy cream too early can break it down – wait until the pasta is tender for a smooth, creamy texture.

How to Serve Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

A white plate holds three sections of food on a white marbled surface. The main layer is a large serving of tubular pasta mixed with a creamy, light brown sauce containing small pieces of ground meat, giving the pasta a soft texture and a slightly shiny look. To the upper right of the pasta, there is a pile of green beans, cooked and seasoned, showing a dull green color with a slight shine. On the upper left side of the plate, a slice of buttered white bread rests flat, with the smooth, pale yellow butter spread evenly on the surface. A silver fork lifts a few pasta tubes with sauce from the main pile. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top to add a fresh, bright contrast to the rich beefaroni. A little grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella melted right on top is a crowd-pleaser, especially for those cheesy comfort food lovers.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this beefaroni in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly — it’s a fun twist that feels a little fancy but stays super easy. You can also layer it in a casserole dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake for a comforting pasta bake style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay delicious for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s perfect for next-day lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

Freezing this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe works well too. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture holds up surprisingly well after freezing, which is a lifesaver for meal prep.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through, and adding liquid as needed to keep it creamy and smooth.

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in if you’re looking for a lighter protein option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be milder, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or herbs to keep the dish flavorful.

  2. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?

    Make sure the pasta is fully covered with broth and stir the pot every few minutes while it simmers. This helps distribute the pasta evenly and prevents clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot.

  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, just swap the ziti pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just note that gluten-free pasta often cooks differently, so keep an eye on the pasta for doneness since some varieties cook faster or softer.

  4. Is it okay to use jarred spaghetti sauce instead of making sauce from scratch?

    Definitely! This recipe actually depends on a good-quality jarred spaghetti sauce as a shortcut that keeps things easy without sacrificing flavor. Just pick a brand or flavor you love, and the rest of the ingredients will enhance it beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so darn reliable—comforting, simple, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you find it as easy and satisfying as I do on those busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the stress. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and I bet it’ll become a favorite that you go back to time and again.

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Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and easy homemade one pot Beefaroni recipe featuring ground beef, ziti pasta, and a rich tomato sauce simmered to perfection with a creamy finish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce (your favorite kind)
  • 8 oz ziti pasta (or elbows, penne, or shells)
  • 2.5 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
  2. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
  3. Combine Sauce and Seasonings: Add the jar of spaghetti sauce along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
  4. Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the ziti pasta and beef broth, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
  5. Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
  6. Stir in Heavy Cream: After the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Thicken the Sauce: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Final Adjustment: Taste and season to preference before serving. Optionally, top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish.

Notes

  • Double the recipe for larger groups; it scales well.
  • Swap ziti pasta for elbows, rotini, or penne according to preference.
  • Add frozen peas or corn for extra vegetables and a pop of color.
  • You can replace beef broth with chicken broth or water plus bouillon if needed.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese before serving for added richness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if necessary.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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