Poverty Meal
Simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly, the Poverty Meal brings hearty comfort to your table without breaking the bank. This one-pan wonder combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and onion for a dish that’s as flavorful as it is frugal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or feeding a family on a tight budget. Optional seasonings like paprika add a hint of smoky depth, while a sprinkle of grated cheese or fresh herbs can elevate the dish with minimal cost. Perfect for meal prep or served fresh, the Poverty Meal embodies wholesome, affordable cooking with maximum flavor.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the macaroni is cooking, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the tomato sauce, water, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6
Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the skillet, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the Poverty Meal hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of grated cheese or fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1457.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2103.4 |
| Total Fat 98.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 34.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 8.4g | |
| Cholesterol 301.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3923.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 199.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 29.9g | |
| Protein 110.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 166.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2719.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories