Stealthy Beef & Mac Skillet

Ingredients

• Organic Ground Beef — 2lb 85/15 lean ($12.00)
• Olive Oil — 1 tsp for sauteing ($0.05)
• Macaroni Pasta — 10oz dry ($1.00)
• Beef Broth — 2.5 cups liquid for cooking pasta ($1.00)
• Greek Yogurt — 1 cup plain nonfat ($1.50)
• Cheddar Cheese — 1 cup shredded ($1.50)
• Tomato Paste — 2 Tbsp flavor builder ($0.20)
• Worcestershire — 1 Tbsp umami depth ($0.10)
• Spinach — 6oz fresh ($1.50)
• Onion — 1 small diced ($0.50)
• Garlic Powder — 1 Tbsp seasoning ($0.10)
• Italian Seasoning — 1 Tbsp seasoning ($0.10)
• Salt and Pepper — 1 Tbsp combined ($0.05)

Instructions

1. 1Saute the Base — Heat 1 tsp olive oil in large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and saute 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 2lbs ground beef breaking it apart and cook until fully browned about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if desired.
2. 2Build the Flavor and Simmer — Stir tomato paste Worcestershire sauce garlic powder Italian seasoning and salt/pepper into beef. Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 2.5 cups beef broth and 10oz dry macaroni. Bring to gentle boil then reduce heat cover and let simmer 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
3. 3Melt and Fold — Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup Greek yogurt and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted into creamy sauce. Add fresh spinach and gently fold until totally wilted into hot pasta.
4. 4Assemble and Pack — Divide creamy beef and macaroni evenly across 6 containers.