Name: Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

I absolutely love sharing this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe with you because it s a total game changer for busy weeknights. When I first tried making it, I was amazed at how easy it was to toss everything into a single pot and still end up with a rich, comforting meal that feels like it took hours to prepare. You ll find that this recipe is great for those nights when you want something hearty without all the fuss of multiple pans and dishes.

What makes this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe worth trying (and making again and again) is how versatile it is. Whether you re cooking for just yourself, a family dinner, or even a casual gathering, it scales beautifully and always delivers that delicious, cheesy, beefy flavor we all crave. Plus, the creamy tomato sauce with perfectly cooked pasta hits all the right notes – trust me, my family goes crazy for this one every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in the same pot, saving you time and stress.
Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy tomato sauce combined with tender pasta and savory beef is just pure comfort food magic.
Family Favorite: It s a crowd-pleaser that works for weeknights, potlucks, and even lunchboxes.
Flexible & Customizable: Easy to tweak with different pasta shapes or add-ins to suit your taste or pantry stock.

The image shows a close-up of a spoon lifting creamy pasta from a white pot filled with a thick, orange-colored sauce mixed with small brown meat pieces and short tube-shaped pasta. The sauce coats the pasta evenly, giving it a smooth and slightly shiny texture. The pot rim is visible, and the pasta inside looks tender and mixed well with the sauce. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe come together to create layers of flavor and texture, while staying simple enough that you probably already have most of them on hand. A few tips on picking the best items will make your dish even better.

Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 beef for that perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth – the diced pieces soften beautifully while cooking.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic shines here; it s a game-changer over the pre-minced stuff.
Tomato Paste: This boosts the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce just right.
Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce to keep things quick but tasty.
Ziti Pasta (or Elbows/Penne/Shells): These shapes hold the sauce well, but swap if you want – all work great.
Beef Broth: Adds a rich base to cook the pasta in and infuse savory notes.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Sugar: These seasonings harmonize the flavors perfectly.
Heavy Cream: For that luscious creaminess that makes the sauce sing.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mess around with this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe depending on what s in season or what s in my fridge. Feel free to add your own flair – it s all about making it your own little comfort meal.

Veggie Power: I ve tossed in frozen peas or corn before and it adds a nice pop of texture and freshness.
Cheesy Twist: Smothering the top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar before serving instantly makes this a kid favorite at my house.
Pasta Swap: If you don t have ziti, elbows or penne pasta work just as well – sometimes I even use rotini for extra sauce cling.
Broth Alternatives: If you re out of beef broth, chicken broth or even water with a bouillon cube will do the trick without losing flavor.

How to Make Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef along with diced onions and minced garlic. I like to break the beef into chunks with my spatula so it browns evenly. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened, then drain any excess grease. This step sets the flavor foundation, so don t rush it-letting the aromatics get cozy with the beef really uplifts the dish.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook it for about 2 minutes. This helps intensify its flavor and gives the sauce that rich, vibrant color. Then, pour in your favorite spaghetti sauce and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of sugar. Mix everything really well to combine those flavors. This is one of those moments where you can taste and adjust seasonings before adding pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Add the pasta and beef broth to the pot, making sure the pasta is submerged in liquid – it s key for even cooking. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but not mushy. This one-pot method lets the pasta soak up all those amazing flavors while cooking.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Simmer to Thicken

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream. This transforms the sauce into a luscious, silky finish that I absolutely adore. Let it simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to thicken up beautifully. Taste and add any extra salt or pepper you like right here – seasoning at the end really makes a difference in flavor balance.

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

Drain Grease Well: Draining the beef after browning prevents a greasy sauce-one tip I learned the hard way.
Stir Occasionally: Stir the pot here and there while simmering to keep pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Taste As You Go: Adjust seasoning before adding cream and after to make sure it s exactly right.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Check pasta doneness a couple minutes early to avoid sogginess-as pasta finishes cooking in the sauce while simmering.

How to Serve Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe

This image shows a white plate with three main parts. On the bottom left, there is a large serving of pasta mixed with small pieces of meat, all covered in a light brown sauce that looks smooth and creamy. The pasta is tubular and slightly shiny. On the top right, there is a portion of cooked green beans, which are a dull green color with a little bit of shine, and look soft and well-cooked. On the top left, there is a slice of white bread with a thick layer of melted butter spread evenly across its top surface. The plate sits on a granite countertop. A fork is holding some pasta above the plate, and a woman's hand is partly visible holding the fork. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I love topping my Beefaroni with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil because it brings a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the dish. Grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella goes on top too, especially if I want to give it that melty, comforting edge. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat when we want a little kick.

Side Dishes

Simple sides work best here-garlic bread is my go-to because it soaks up any leftover sauce. A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy Beefaroni. And if you want veggies, roasted broccoli or green beans are easy companions without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual oven-safe dishes topped with shredded cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. It turns instant comfort food into something a bit more elegant. I ve also layered it with sliced fresh tomatoes and herbs for a vibrant finish that s as pretty as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Homemade One Pot Beefaroni in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for 3-4 days. I like to let it cool before sealing to avoid sogginess, and on busy days, it s such a relief knowing there s a ready-made meal waiting for me.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe works surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it freezes without losing texture or flavor. When I m short on time, it s a lifesaver to just thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up the next day.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it s a bit thick. The microwave works fine too-just stir every minute or so to heat evenly. This way, the sauce stays creamy and the pasta doesn t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative. Just be mindful that it cooks faster and can dry out more quickly, so watch the cooking time and maybe add a little extra broth to keep the sauce moist.
What pasta type works best for this recipe?

Ziti is classic here because its hollow shape traps sauce nicely, but elbows, penne, shells, or even rotini all work well. Choose whichever pasta you have on hand or prefer; just keep an eye on cooking time since shapes differ slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The dish will taste just as comforting-just be sure to check cooking times on the pasta package since gluten-free noodles can cook differently.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can definitely prep the sauce base and brown beef a day ahead, refrigerate it, and add pasta when you re ready to cook. Just add broth as needed, and cook the pasta fresh to avoid mushiness.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?

Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid and stir occasionally while simmering. Adding broth at the right amount and covering the pot helps evenly cook the pasta without sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade One Pot Beefaroni Recipe has become one of my favorite dishes to make when I want something quick but still feel like I m feeding my family something special and filling. It s a reliable, delicious meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Give it a try-I promise you ll love how simple, creamy, and satisfying it is, plus it s a recipe you ll reach for again and again.