Mac and Beef One-Pot (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

01 - 2 tablespoons cooking oil
02 - 1 big onion, chopped into cubes
03 - 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
04 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoky paprika
06 - Small amount red pepper flakes, if you want
07 - Table salt
08 - Ground black pepper
09 - 1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
12 - 5 cups chicken broth with less salt
13 - 10 ounces macaroni noodles
14 - 2 cups grated Cheddar, around 8 ounces
15 - 4 ounces soft cheese spread
16 - 1 cup chopped parsley with soft stems, more for topping if you want

# How to Make It:

01 - Pour cooking oil into a big pot over medium-high flame. Toss in the chopped onion and stir now and then until soft, taking about 6 to 7 minutes. Mix in the chopped garlic and cook until you can smell it, roughly 1 minute.
02 - Mix in the chili powder, smoky paprika, red pepper bits (if you like spicy food), 1 teaspoon salt, and some black pepper. Drop in the beef and break it up with your spoon. Let it cook, stirring sometimes, until the meat turns brown all through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
03 - Add the tomato paste and yellow mustard, making sure to mix it all together well.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth with 1 teaspoon salt. Wait till it bubbles, which takes around 6 to 7 minutes. Drop in your macaroni, stir every so often, and cook until the noodles are just right and the liquid gets thicker, taking about 9 to 11 minutes.
05 - Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the grated Cheddar and soft cheese until they melt smoothly. Mix in the parsley and sprinkle more on top if you want.
06 - Put any leftovers in a sealed container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

# Additional Tips:

01 - This meal needs just one pot so you'll have less dishes to wash later.
02 - A comforting and cheap meal that works great for busy weeknights.