There’s something about a meal that cooks all in one pot that immediately feels like relief after a long day. This one pot ground beef noodles dish hits that sweet spot between cozy and simple, without asking for much of your time or attention. It’s the kind of dinner you can start while juggling a million things, and somehow, by the time the chaos settles, there’s a warm, satisfying bowl waiting for you.
I remember the first time I made this, the kitchen was a bit of a mess — I was halfway through chopping onions when the phone rang, and I’m pretty sure I forgot to turn the burner down once. Somewhere between stirring and trying to shush the dog, I realized this meal didn’t demand perfection. The noodles were just the right texture, the sauce had that comforting tang, and the melted cheddar on top pulled it all together. It wasn’t fancy, but it was exactly what I needed.
- Combines ground beef, noodles, and tomato sauce all in one pot — less cleanup, more time for you.
- The simmering sauce and tender noodles soak up rich flavors, making each bite comforting and filling.
- Ready in about 30 minutes, so it’s great for weeknights when you’re short on time but want something hearty.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or obscure ingredients.
- Cheddar cheese melts into the noodles for a creamy finish, though you might want to adjust the amount if you’re watching calories.
Don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen — this recipe is forgiving, and it’s easy to adjust to what you have on hand. You can skip the cheese or swap the noodles for a different shape if that’s what’s in your pantry. It’s all about making dinnertime less stressful and more satisfying.
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One Pot Ground Beef Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and hearty one pot meal featuring ground beef, tender noodles, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
8 ounces egg noodles
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the pot if necessary.
Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add egg noodles to the pot, stir to combine, and reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Cover the pot again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
For this one pot wonder, all you really need is a good, sturdy pot. Nothing fancy; if you have a deep skillet or Dutch oven, that works perfectly. When serving, I like to pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of spinach near the end of cooking for a little extra color and nutrients — not sure if everyone would notice, but it feels good to add them.
Variations? I’ve tried adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or swapping Italian seasoning for taco spices when I’m craving something different. You could even use turkey instead of beef if you want a lighter twist, but I haven’t tested how that changes the cooking time exactly.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, but cooking times may vary. Stick to shapes that cook quickly, like egg noodles or small shells, for best results.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
I haven’t tried freezing it myself. The noodles might get a bit mushy, but it could work if you don’t mind texture changes.
Give this one pot ground beef noodles a try the next time you need a no-fuss dinner that still feels like a little bit of comfort. Save it, print it, and maybe even tweak it to make it your own. You’ll find yourself coming back to it more often than you expect.