The One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup—satisfying, simple, and loaded with flavor. Imagine fork-tender macaroni swirled into a rich, beefy tomato sauce, plus the perfect hint of cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to finish. Best of all, everything cooks in just one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum coziness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple, calling for pantry-friendly ingredients that build vibrant layers of flavor. Each element adds its own something special, whether it’s the richness of beef, tangy tomatoes, or the comforting creaminess of cheese.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for more depth of flavor.
Ground beef: The hearty backbone of the dish, making it wonderfully filling and savory.
Onion: Sweet, aromatic base that brings balance and subtle crunch.
Garlic: Lends warmth and a punch of flavor that infuses the whole pot.
Diced tomatoes (with juice): Provides tang, color, and a saucy texture that ties everything together.
Tomato sauce: Adds body and a concentrated tomato flavor for a saucy finish.
Beef broth: The liquid gold—infusing every bite with deep, meaty undertones.
Italian seasoning: Delivers a savory, herby background note that really lifts the sauce.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and brings a gentle warmth to the dish.
Salt: For sharpening and balancing all the flavors.
Black pepper: Offers an earthy, gentle bite and a hint of heat.
Elbow macaroni: The star pasta, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce and delivering a familiar, homey bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts in for gooey richness—because who can resist?
Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the final dish.

How to Make One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until nicely browned and crumbly. This step is crucial to build that savory base flavor, and don’t forget to drain off any excess fat once the meat is browned—it keeps the finished dish from feeling heavy.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This is when wonderful aromas start wafting through your kitchen! Next, add the minced garlic and stir for just about 30 seconds. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye out; you want it fragrant, not toasted.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with juice, the tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom—they add loads of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to let all the flavors mingle.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Now it’s time to add the uncooked elbow macaroni right into the pot. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and let the pasta cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking, and watch as the pasta soaks up the savory sauce, turning unbelievably tender and delicious.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese (Optional) and Serve

If you’re going for ultimate comfort, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and luscious. This step makes the One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe extra creamy and irresistible. Spoon it into bowls, scatter with chopped parsley if you like, and serve it up piping hot!

How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic, adding just the right pop of brightness. For even more flair, a handful of sliced green onions or a dusting of extra cheddar cheese right before serving takes things up a notch. Don’t be shy to finish each bowl individually so everyone gets that freshly garnished touch.

Side Dishes

The One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe is a meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a simple side salad, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli for a little green on your plate. And of course, you can never go wrong with a piece of warm, crusty bread to scoop up the extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the mac and beef into individual ramekins and broiling with extra cheddar cheese for a bubbly, golden top. Or serve it family-style in a big colorful casserole dish at the center of the table—it’s rustic sharing at its best. For a playful twist, ladle it over a bed of wilted spinach for a veggie boost or offer a toppings bar with cheese, fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors deepen as it sits, making each bite just as—if not more—delicious the next day.

Freezing

Want to stash some away for another time? No problem! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. The One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Just remember, pasta can soften slightly after thawing, but it’ll still taste wonderful.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the dish gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist, and check every minute or so until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and cooks evenly, you can swap in shells, rotini, or penne if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on cooking time as different shapes may need a bit more or less time to become tender.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! For a leaner version of the One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. You can also reduce or omit the cheese, and toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach to pack in even more nutrition.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

No worries! You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth, or even just water in a pinch. Using beef broth gives the richest flavor, but other broths will still make a tasty sauce for your macaroni and beef.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. The One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe scales up easily for gatherings or meal prepping. Just use a large enough pot so everything cooks evenly, and give a quick check to the pasta as it cooks to make sure it’s not over- or underdone.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

It’s simple to keep the One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe dairy-free: just skip the cheese and check that your beef broth doesn’t contain any hidden dairy. The dish will still be hearty, flavorful, and satisfying without the cheese.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with the One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe—it’s comfort food at its best, with all the bold flavor and ease you crave on a busy night. Give this recipe a spot in your weekly rotation and make it your own! I hope your family enjoys every savory, saucy bite as much as mine does.

One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Macaroni and Beef:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Cook the ground beef: Until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion and garlic: Cook until softened, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Incorporate tomatoes and seasonings: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Add macaroni: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
Optional: Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra veggies, stir in chopped bell peppers or spinach while the pasta simmers.
This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American