Budget-Friendly Ground Beef Recipes That Taste Like a Million Bucks 

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This hearty cheeseburger macaroni bake brings all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Savory ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, mixed with tender macaroni and a rich, melty cheese sauce, then finished under the broiler with a golden layer of shredded Parmesan. It’s comforting, simple to make, and ready in under 30 min — perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–7 min. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and garlic; cook until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 min.
3. Stir in uncooked macaroni, beef broth, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 10–12 min, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan evenly over the top.
6. Transfer skillet to the oven and broil for 2–3 min., until the Parmesan is golden and bubbly.