Dinner time doesn't have to be difficult on busy days. I love easy one pot meals and all in one dishes, and admit that those boxed dinners have a lot of appeal. The thing is, they aren't always so great for us. So, this simple copycat beef a roni recipe is the ideal lightened up meal. This recipe has tons of flavor, is easy to make, and is a great way to have a balanced meal that everyone at your dinner table will enjoy.
Copycat Beef a Roni
There is no denying the appeal of a frozen dinner or even something like Hamburger Helper when you are having a busy week. If you have kids underfoot and a full-time job, you probably know what it is like to find yourself standing in the kitchen at 6pm wondering how you are going to make dinner fast, easy, and still nutritious. My go-to solution is usually pasta, but how to make it a whole meal? This is my solution.
Beef a roni is simply a great little meal that includes a bit of pasta, beef, vegetables, and sauce. I love this version because I keep all of these supplies on hand in my pantry and know I can pick up the ingredients and whip it up in just 20-30 minutes! If you like other great fast meals, you'll love this whole wheat pasta with peas and ham. I also love this simple whole wheat pasta pie.
What Ground Meat Can I Use?
Traditionally this is made with ground beef. If you prefer to avoid red meat or like something a little bit lighter, then you can use a different option. Ground turkey and ground chicken are both great choices that are easy to add to this recipe. You might also like a mixture of ground beef and ground pork for extra flavor.
If you need a vegan or vegetarian option, using something like the GardeIn meat crumbles is a good idea. Just mix into the recipe with the pasta and sauce for a tasty meal that fits into any meal plan.
What Vegetables Go With Beef a Roni?
Adding vegetables makes this a total meal in one pot. I always add the basics of onion, garlic, and tomato, but there are more options you might like. Some add peas to this mixture, but I also enjoy a mixture of other vegetables to make it a bit heartier. Below are a few more that easily fit into this meal.
- Broccoli
- Corn
- Pinto beans, kidney beans, or cannelloni beans
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini or squash
What are the myWW Plan Points for This Recipe?
As listed, this may be a bit higher in points for some individuals. You can, however, use 99% fat-free ground turkey and lower the points significantly. Note, that I did include the 1 cup of peas in this recipe point calculation as that is how we most often serve the meal.
- myWW Blue: 8
- myWW Green: 9
- myWW Purple: 2
- Points Plus: 8
Remember, if you use a different ground meat or end up adding additional vegetables, you will want to calculate for those items. The points listed above are strictly for the ingredients shown below.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat pasta
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ground beef
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Non-stick cooking spray
Optional: Peas
How to Make Copycat Beef a Roni
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta, rinse, and set it aside.
Spray the bottom of a non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add in the onion and garlic and cook, stirring regularly, for 1-2 minutes to soften.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring regularly and breaking up the meat, for another 5 minutes or until cooked through.
Once the meat is cooked through, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, and black pepper and stir to combine.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour the drained pasta into the pan and toss to combine.
Stir in the frozen peas if desired and let them come to temperature before serving.
You may serve with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or shredded cheese.
You'll love this copycat beef a roni! A lighter version that boxed meal kits, this reicpe is suer to be a hit with everyone in your home! Top with fresh chopped parsley or shredded cheese when serving. Copycat Beef a Roni Lightened Up Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 331Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 472mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 8gSugar: 12gProtein: 24g 
Great alternative to a box recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Themla! Honestly.. I'm pretty low tech. I immediately separate it into 5 different containers. It's been awhile since I made it but If I remember correctly, each one was about a cup.
Hope that helps!
-Roni
Hi Roni,
I love your site. It is very informative and entertaining. With this recipe for Simple Beef-A-Roni, how do you determine that it is 5 servings? Do you weigh the entire dish and divide it?
I made this the other day for a large group of family and they loved it. I didn't have regular diced tomatoes so I had to use the one with green chili's and I used corn instead of peas. It was fantastic!!! I'm in Western PA and up here we call this goulash 😉 Love ya Roni
Hey Roni!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this site!! I am NOT a cook but since my kids are getting a little bigger (son is 2 and daughter is 11mos)I know the time is coming where I'll have to start somewhere!! 🙂 Anyway, my question is this: when you put the servings are 5 and then you include the cal/fat/fiber, are those per serving or total? (im doing WW) I'm guessing it is right?? Anyway, newbies like me really appreciate all of your dedication to leading a healthy lifestyle! You are the best!! 🙂
I just made this, and it's really tasty. The boy peered at it suspiciously and demanded more "red stuff" so I added some leftover tomato sauce. My toddler likes it too!
Okay honestly- this is my 3rd recipe of yours I have made...where have you been all my life?!? Every recipe of yours I have made is great! The flavor is so good- how in the world you pull this off is beyond me- and they are all fast and painless too! Thank you for making this site!
I made this last night and I added some cottage cheese, it was so good.
Tanya - There already is one. Just print from GreenLiteBites and it should only print the recipe, automatically. Try it and let me know!
Just curious....
I love everything you make. Is there any way you can add a "print friendly version" to your recipes?
Thanks for everything. Your sites have been a great find!!!
Diane - Not sure Lisa will know! LOL It's my recipe. I just split the whole recipe into 5 equal servings but if I was to guess I'd say just over a cup.
-Roni
Hi Lisa -
Can you tell me the serving size?
Thanks!
Lisa -
I use Bionaturae Organic Whole Wheat pasta.
unfortunately, they don't have that noddle online. However, I do have the brand in the Pasta section of the store.
https://greenlitebites.com/the-glb-store/
Hope that helps!
Love the look of those big spirals. I haven't been able to find a shaped whole wheat pasta that tastes good - what brand do you use?
Forget the question - I read further......
When you say 8 oz. whole wheat pasta, is that cooked or uncooked?