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One Pot Beefaroni

A comforting and budget-friendly dish that combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and browned beef, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef (use 90/10 for less grease or 80/20 for richer flavor) Can swap with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped Can swap with shallot for a sweeter note
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced (optional, for color and sweetness)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes Use fire-roasted for extra depth
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth (or water and a beef bouillon cube)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shells Gluten-free pasta works, but cook time may vary
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) Adds lovely flavor
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan For topping
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or a pat of butter
  • Fresh basil or parsley to finish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil until it shimmers.
  2. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until nicely browned and beginning to caramelize, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  3. Push the beef to the side and add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Building the Sauce
  1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, and smoked paprika. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  2. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Add the pasta and stir to submerge. Reduce to a simmer and cover, cooking for the time recommended on the pasta package.
  2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finishing Touches
  1. When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the lid and stir in half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan until melted.
  2. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If using spinach or ricotta, fold in now.
Serving
  1. Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and fresh herbs. Let it rest for a minute.

Notes

You can easily add a handful of spinach at the end for a healthy option, or fold in a cup of ricotta for a creamier finish. For meal prep, cool and portion into containers.