There’s something incredibly satisfying about a steaming bowl of One-Pot Beefy Macaroni that brings everyone to the table with eager appetites. This humble yet hearty dish combines the savory richness of seasoned ground beef with tender pasta and a flavorful tomato sauce—all coming together effortlessly in just one pot. If you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort, you’ve found your new weeknight hero.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
One-Pot Beefy Macaroni stands out as a true kitchen champion for multiple reasons. First, it eliminates the dreaded pile of dishes—just one pot to clean means more time enjoying your evening. The dish has a remarkable ability to please even the pickiest eaters with its familiar, comforting flavors reminiscent of childhood favorites but elevated with thoughtful seasoning. Unlike boxed dinner kits, this homemade version gives you complete control over ingredients and sodium levels while still maintaining that quick-cooking convenience. The beef provides satisfying protein, while the balanced blend of seasonings creates a depth of flavor that belies the recipe’s simplicity. This is truly home cooking at its most practical and delicious.
One-Pot Beefy Macaroni
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef 85-90% lean
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season the meat mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt, stirring to coat evenly.
- Add tomato paste and stir continuously for 1 minute to caramelize slightly and enhance flavor.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce, stirring to combine with the meat mixture.
- Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the uncooked macaroni, ensure it's fully submerged in the liquid, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with shredded cheese if using. Cover for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated, though you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- The consistency should be slightly saucy when done cooking as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months—portion into individual containers for quick lunches.
Equipment needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, measuring cups, measuring spoons
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories per serving: Approximately 380 calories per serving (without optional cheese)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Contains: Wheat (from pasta), potential dairy if cheese is added
- Good source of: Iron, protein, and B vitamins
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta – The macaroni continues cooking in residual heat, so remove from heat when it’s just tender.
- Not stirring occasionally – The pasta can stick to the bottom of the pot, causing burning and uneven cooking.
- Using too high heat – A gentle simmer ensures the pasta cooks evenly without the sauce reducing too quickly.
- Forgetting to taste before serving – Seasoning needs may vary depending on the sodium content of your broth and tomato products.
- Adding all ingredients at once – Building flavors in stages creates depth—brown the meat first, then add aromatics, etc.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option (add 1 tbsp of olive oil for richness).
- Gluten-free pasta works well—just monitor cooking time as it may differ from traditional pasta.
- Plant-based ground meat substitute makes an excellent vegetarian version.
- Rice or small shell pasta can substitute for elbow macaroni in equal amounts.
- For dairy-free diets, omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Red bell pepper or carrots can be diced and added with the onions for extra vegetables.
FAQs
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for browning meat and onions, then add remaining ingredients. Set to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes with a quick release. The pasta may be slightly firmer, which prevents it from becoming mushy.
How do I make this meal more nutritious?
Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini with the onions. You can also stir in fresh spinach at the end until wilted, or use whole wheat pasta for additional fiber.
My sauce is too watery—what should I do?
Simply simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it stands due to the starch from the pasta.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats beautifully and even develops more flavor over time. Store in portioned containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Is this kid-friendly?
This dish is a consistent winner with children. For extra picky eaters, you can reduce the Italian seasoning slightly and ensure the onions are finely diced or even grated to “hide” them in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Beefy Macaroni proves that delicious, satisfying home cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of convenience and comfort—a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for multiple meals from one cooking session, this hearty dish delivers every time with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
