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
- 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.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- 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.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the ziti pasta and beef broth, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
- 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.
- Stir in Heavy Cream: After the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 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
