Description
This Homemade One Pot Beefaroni recipe is a hearty and comforting meal made with ground beef, ziti pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce—all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it features savory flavors enhanced by Italian seasoning and a touch of heavy cream for a luscious finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main 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
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef with diced yellow onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor and develop a richer sauce base.
- Combine Spaghetti Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce and add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Mix in the 8 oz of ziti pasta and pour 2.5 cups of beef broth over the mixture. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Heavy Cream: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream to add richness and creaminess. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
- Thicken the Sauce: Simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and meld with the pasta perfectly.
- Serve: Once thickened, remove from heat and serve hot. Optionally, top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- Double the recipe when feeding a crowd; it scales very well.
- Substitute ziti pasta with elbows, rotini, or penne depending on preference.
- Add frozen peas or corn while simmering for more vegetables.
- Use chicken broth or water with bouillon if beef broth is not available.
- For a cheesy variation, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
