Budget-Friendly Macaroni & Chopped Meat

This recipe is not only tasty and easy to prepare, but it can help stretch the budget as the ingredients are relatively inexpensive and the recipe feeds six to eight people.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz. pkg.) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 packet of dry onion soup mix (from a 2.2-oz. box) *Please read recipe note below
• ¾ to 1 cup water (or beef broth for more flavor) **Please read recipe note below
• 1 (24 oz.) jar of tomato pasta sauce  
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional topping)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional topping)

Recipe notes: *If you like the onion flavor, you may use both packages of onion soup mix in this recipe rather than just one single packet.

**For one package of onion soup mix, use ¾ cup water or broth. For two packages, use one cup of liquid instead.

Directions:

Make the elbow noodles according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the beef to the skillet, breaking the meat up as it cooks. Once meat is completely cooked, drain fat and return meat to skillet. Add one or both packets of onion soup seasoning mix and the water or beef broth. Stir and bring skillet to a light boil. Cook until liquid is nearly absorbed and dehydrated onions in the soup mix are tender. Lower the stovetop temperature to medium. Add the tomato sauce and the cooked macaroni. Stir gently and continue cooking until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.

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