If I’m ever craving a comforting meal that’s both incredibly easy and endlessly satisfying, this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe is one of my top picks. It blends tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce — all in a single pot. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just treating myself to something cozy, this recipe never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-Pot Magic: Everything cooks in the same pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax.
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Simple Pantry Ingredients: I don’t need anything fancy — just a few staples and I’m ready to go.
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Creamy, Savory Flavor: The combination of beef, tomato, and cream creates a rich, balanced sauce that coats every bite.
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Family-Friendly: My kids love it, my friends request it, and it always brings everyone back for seconds.
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Totally Customizable: I love switching up the pasta, sneaking in veggies, or topping it with cheese — it adapts beautifully to whatever I have on hand.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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ground beef
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yellow onion, diced
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garlic cloves, minced
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tomato paste
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spaghetti sauce (your favorite jar)
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ziti pasta (or elbows, penne, or shells)
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beef broth
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garlic powder
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onion powder
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salt
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pepper
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Italian seasoning
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sugar
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heavy cream
Directions
1. Brown the beef, onion, and garlic
I start by cooking the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the beef is browned and the onions are soft, I drain the excess grease to keep the dish light and flavorful.
2. Add the tomato paste
Next, I stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. This deepens the flavor and helps create that rich base I love.
3. Mix in sauce, seasonings, pasta, and broth
I pour in the spaghetti sauce and add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Then I stir in the dry pasta and beef broth, making sure the pasta is fully submerged.
4. Simmer with the lid on
Once it’s all mixed, I bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer covered for 12–15 minutes. I stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
5. Add the heavy cream and thicken
When the pasta is tender, I stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy perfection.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings and is ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
It’s ideal for a busy weeknight meal or even a last-minute dinner party.
Variations
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Vegetable Add-Ins: Sometimes I toss in frozen peas or corn during the last simmer — it’s a simple way to boost the nutrition.
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Cheesy Finish: A handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar stirred in at the end or melted on top takes it to the next level.
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Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley right before serving gives it a fresh pop.
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Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly if I want a lighter take on this dish.
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Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat if I’m in the mood for something bolder.
Storage/Reheating
Storing Leftovers
I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The flavors deepen and it reheats beautifully.
Freezing
When I want to freeze it, I let it cool completely and pack it into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stirring occasionally helps bring back that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe?
Yes, I often switch it up with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the meat.
Is it okay to use a different pasta shape?
Definitely. I love ziti, but elbows, shells, or penne all work great — just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, I skip the heavy cream or replace it with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. It’s still creamy and delicious.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
I just simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring now and then. It thickens up nicely without losing flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. When I’m feeding a crowd, I double the ingredients and it scales up perfectly — no flavor lost.
Conclusion
This Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to comfort meals. I love how quick, hearty, and versatile it is — all with the bonus of only needing one pot. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight or just want something warm and satisfying, this dish always hits the spot. Give it a try and make it your own — I think it’ll be a new favorite in your kitchen too.
