Description
A comforting and easy homemade one pot beefaroni recipe featuring ground beef, ziti pasta, and a rich tomato and cream sauce, cooked entirely in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
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 over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Combine Sauces and Seasonings: Pour in the spaghetti sauce and add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Add the ziti pasta to the pot, followed by the beef broth. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Heavy Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning if needed with extra salt and pepper.
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Optionally, top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish.
Notes
- Double the recipe easily for a larger crowd as it scales well.
- Substitute ziti pasta with elbows, rotini, or penne depending on preference.
- Add frozen peas or corn for extra vegetables and color.
- If beef broth is unavailable, substitute with chicken broth or water plus bouillon.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- For a richer dish, top with shredded cheese before serving and allow it to melt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
