Easy One-Pot Homemade Beefaroni

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The Ultimate One-Pot Homemade Beefaroni: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

Few meals deliver the delicious nostalgia of childhood like a warm bowl of homemade Beefaroni. Rich, hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this one-pot dish combines tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a savory tomato sauce into the perfect 30-minute family dinner.

This recipe is designed to be quick, budget-friendly, filling, and made with simple pantry ingredients, yet it tastes like something that simmered all afternoon.

Below is the FULL, detailed recipe, followed by expert cooking tips, variations, and serving ideas to help your post truly stand out on Google.

⭐ Easy One-Pot Homemade Beefaroni Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional but amazing)

🍲 FULL RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, 6–8 minutes.
Break it apart as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, drain it.

2. Add Onion (and Garlic for Extra Flavor)

Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook 1 additional minute until fragrant.

3. Season the Beef

Sprinkle in:

  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Mix well so the seasoning coats the beef.

4. Add Tomato Sauce and Broth

Pour in:

  • Tomato sauce
  • Beef broth

Stir until everything is well combined.

5. Stir in the Uncooked Macaroni

Add the dry elbow macaroni directly into the pot.
Stir, making sure all noodles are submerged in the liquid.

6. Simmer Until Perfectly Tender

Cover the pot with a lid.
Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick.

When the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened, it’s ready.

7. Make It Cheesy (Optional but Incredible)

Turn off heat and stir in 1–2 cups shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
This transforms the Beefaroni into a luxuriously rich dinner everyone loves.

😋 Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Beefaroni

  • One pot = easy cleanup
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Comfort food at its best
  • Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
  • Budget-friendly ingredients
  • Customizable to your taste

It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, back-to-school lunch, or cozy weekend meal.

🛠️ Pro Tips for Perfect Beefaroni Every Time

✔ Use high-quality ground beef

Lean ground beef keeps the sauce from getting greasy.

✔ Don’t skip the onions

They add sweetness and depth to the sauce.

✔ If the sauce gets too thick

Add ¼ cup more broth or water until desired consistency is reached.

✔ Stir occasionally

This prevents pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

🔄 Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Beefaroni Bake

After cooking, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil 3–4 minutes.

2. Spicy Beefaroni

Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste.

3. Veggie Beefaroni

Add bell peppers, corn, peas, or spinach.

4. Creamy Beefaroni

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream.

5. Italian-Style Beefaroni

Add basil, oregano, and parmesan cheese.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your homemade Beefaroni with:

  • Garlic bread
  • Green salad
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Roasted vegetables

Or enjoy it as a stand-alone bowl of comfort—it’s perfect either way.

🥡 How to Store and Reheat

Fridge:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat:

Add a splash of broth or water and warm on the stovetop or microwave.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Easy One-Pot Homemade Beefaroni is the kind of recipe that brings people back to the table. Warm, hearty, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish you’ll make again and again.

If you want it spicier, cheesier, creamier, or veggie-packed, this recipe adapts beautifully. And with only one pot, cleanup is a breeze—making it the perfect meal for busy families or anyone craving a comforting homemade dinner.

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