Are you looking for a cozy, indulgent meal that combines the heartiness of a cheeseburger with the comfort of a creamy soup? This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is just what you need! Packed with macaroni, ground beef, cheese, and savory spices, it’s perfect for warming up on chilly days. Follow this easy recipe to create a bowl of deliciousness that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
This recipe combines two classic favorites—macaroni and cheeseburger flavors—in a single dish that’s simple to prepare and satisfyingly rich. It’s versatile, kid-friendly, and ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, this soup freezes well, so you can make it ahead and enjoy whenever the craving hits.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, bacon bits, or a sprinkle of parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Beef
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add in chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess fat. - Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, including the juice. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a simmer. - Add Macaroni
Stir in the macaroni and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. If the soup becomes too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. - Finish with Cheese and Cream
Reduce heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and milk. Stir constantly until cheese melts and soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional garnishes like chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or parsley for extra flavor and crunch.
Tips for the Best Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Choose Quality Beef: Use lean ground beef for a richer, less greasy soup.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor, but you can also experiment with Monterey Jack or a mix of cheeses.
- Control the Texture: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit more cheese or use less broth. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or milk.
Serving and Storage Tips for Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Serving Suggestions
- Garnishes: Top each bowl with green onions, crispy bacon bits, or even a drizzle of sour cream to elevate the flavors. Fresh parsley or chives add a hint of freshness and color.
- Side Pairings: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or buttery biscuits for dipping. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables also pairs well to balance the meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a little milk or broth as needed to restore the soup’s creamy consistency.
Tips for Reheating
Stir frequently to ensure the cheese melts smoothly back into the soup.
1. Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to beef for a lighter version of this soup. It will still provide a rich flavor, but keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you may want to add a bit of olive oil when browning to prevent it from drying out.
2. Can I use a different pasta instead of macaroni?
Absolutely! Any small pasta, such as rotini, shells, or ditalini, will work well in this soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking the pasta.
3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply replace the macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Ensure your broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free, as some may contain hidden gluten.
4. What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the soup will be less creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk or cashew cream are great options, though they may slightly alter the flavor.
Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting, cheesy, and filling meal, combining savory ground beef, macaroni, and creamy cheddar in a rich broth. It’s a quick, one-pot recipe that’s perfect for family dinners on chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
- Dill pickle slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Break it up as it cooks until browned. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Add the remaining butter and sprinkle in the flour. Stir well to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Build the Soup Base: Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly. Add Worcestershire sauce if desired. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked macaroni. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese and Milk: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve with dill pickle slices on the side for an authentic cheeseburger experience.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, add a bit more cheese or use half-and-half instead of milk.
- To make ahead, cook the pasta separately and add just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.