Go Back

One Pot Beefaroni

One pot beefaroni with tender elbow macaroni in a thick, rich tomato beef sauce. Cheddar melts throughout for a cozy, stirred-in cheesy beefaroni texture in a single pot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 670
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beefaroni base
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 clove garlic minced
  • 2 cup elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 salt to taste
  • 0.25 black pepper to taste
  • 1.5 cup sharp cheddar shredded
  • 1 fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Brown the beef
  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned, drain excess fat, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute while stirring.
Build the tomato beef sauce
  1. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Cook the macaroni in one pot
  1. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir to coat the pasta in the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Melt in the cheddar and serve
  1. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar until fully melted and evenly mixed throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve topped with fresh parsley.

Notes

Pro tip: If the pasta is still firm when the sauce looks thick, add a splash of beef broth and simmer covered for 2–3 more minutes. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat on the stovetop with a little broth if needed. Freezing is not recommended because the pasta texture can soften. For a lighter swap, use reduced-fat cheddar and lean ground beef.