Samad: Alright Lina, what’s for dinner tonight? Please tell me it involves less dishes.
Lina: You read my mind! We’re making one pot macaroni and beef super easy, super hearty, and only one pot to clean.
Samad: Music to my ears. That’s like a love letter to Canadian weeknights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Wonder
Lina: First off, it’s a total time-saver. No need to boil pasta separately everything simmers together, soaking up flavour.
Samad: Plus, it’s a classic easy beef and pasta recipe. Nothing fancy, just good ol’ comfort food that feeds the whole family.
Lina: And it freezes like a dream. Double the batch, freeze half, and you’ve got dinner ready on a busy night.
Samad: I call that Canadian meal prep magic.
For a twist on classic comfort food, try this cheesy one pot ground beef and rice that’s just as satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Lina: Here’s what we’re tossing into the pot:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 can (796 ml) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended)
- Fresh parsley to garnish
Samad: Don’t forget the shredded cheese. That final melty layer? Chef’s kiss.
Lina: Optional… but is it really?
How to Make One Pot Macaroni and Beef
Samad: OK, so we just chuck everything in and pray?
Lina: Close, but here’s the real step-by-step:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Samad: The smell of garlic and beef together? Instant comfort.
Step 3: Add the Flavour Base
Stir in tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to wake up those spices.
Lina: Don’t skip this part the paste gets all toasty and makes the sauce richer.
Step 4: Simmer with Love
Add diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and macaroni. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Samad: And the pot does the work while we pretend we’re productive.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Serve
Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the cheese until melted. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Our Favourite Tips & Variations
Lina: Wanna shake it up? Try these:
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner twist
- Add frozen peas or corn in the last 5 minutes for extra veg
- Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a silky texture
Samad: And if you’ve got picky eaters this one’s kid-approved. Mac + beef = guaranteed smiles.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Samad: So, what if we somehow don’t eat the whole pot in one sitting?
Lina: It keeps great in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container.
Samad: And reheating?
Lina: Pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Stir occasionally to heat evenly.
Samad: Sounds perfect for next-day lunches. Or midnight snacks. I’m not judging.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
Lina: This is one of those recipes you’ll want to double. It freezes beautifully.
Samad: Let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Flatten them to save space.
Lina: Reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge then warm it on the stove or microwave.
FAQ: One Pot Macaroni and Beef
Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
Lina: Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells all work just keep an eye on cooking time and add a little more broth if needed.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Samad: Yep! Just swap in your favourite gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth and tomato paste ingredients.
Q: Is this spicy?
Lina: Not at all it’s family-friendly. But feel free to add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little kick.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Samad: For sure. Skip the beef and add lentils, mushrooms, or a meatless crumble. Use veggie broth instead of beef broth.
Q: What sides go well with this?
Lina: A fresh green salad or some garlic bread is all you need. Simple and classic.
Wrapping It Up
Samad: Honestly, this one pot macaroni and beef is the kind of meal I’d happily make every week.
Lina: Same here. Quick, cozy, and full of flavour. We hope it brings a little joy to your table.
Samad: And don’t forget the best meals are the ones shared with family.
One Pot Macaroni and Beef
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 796 ml diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and macaroni. Stir. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cheese until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Add frozen peas or corn in the last 5 minutes for more veggies.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
