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
Scale
- 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.