Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a warm, hearty dish that wraps you in a nostalgic embrace with every spoonful. Imagine the comforting taste of a cheeseburger, blended seamlessly with creamy macaroni and rich broth. This recipe is not only an easy and quick win for busy weeknights, but it also serves as a family favorite that’s bound to become a staple in your home. With its warm, savory flavors and delightful cheesiness, Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup offers a delicious escape that will fill your heart and your belly. This delightful dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, making it worth every bit of effort when preparing it step-by-step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the epitome of easy comfort food. Quick to prepare, it requires minimal ingredients and can be on your dining table in about 30 minutes! Its creamy texture paired with meat and pasta creates a fulfilling meal that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Moreover, it is versatile, allowing for various toppings and modifications to suit your taste. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a bustling family gathering, this dish guarantees warmth and satisfaction, making it the perfect choice for any occasion or craving.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: Juicy and flavorful, the base of our soup.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds an aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A fragrant touch that elevates the flavors.
• 3 cups beef broth: Rich and savory, bringing body to our soup.
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Creamy goodness that gives a luxurious mouthfeel.
• 1 1⁄2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni: The comforting staple that makes every bite hearty.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey, and delightfully cheesy.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds extra stretch and creaminess to the mix.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: For that little kick of umami flavor.
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing): Helps add richness and prevent sticking.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the dynamic flavors.
• Crushed potato chips or croutons (optional topping): For a delightful crunch.
• Extra shredded cheese (optional topping): Because you can never have enough cheese!
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional topping): A vibrant touch to brighten the bowl.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess grease, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, letting the aromas fill your kitchen.

3. Add the Liquids: Pour in the beef broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce into the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Cook the Macaroni: Mix in the uncooked elbow macaroni and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the soup is well blended.

5. Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until they are fully melted and create a creamy texture.

6. Adjust the Consistency: If you find the soup too thick, thin it out with additional beef broth or milk. Give it a taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you like, top with crushed potato chips, extra shredded cheese, and fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

To enhance your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, consider sautéing the onions and garlic until golden brown before adding the beef. This adds depth and caramelization. You can also make a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils, and using vegetable broth. For an extra layer of flavor, spice it up with some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This soup is wonderfully versatile and can be served as a hearty dinner option or a cozy lunch. Pair it with a crisp side salad for added freshness, or serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s wonderful for casual family dinners or even game day gatherings, where everyone can help themselves to a comforting bowl of goodness.

Nutritional Information

A serving of Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup contains approximately 550 calories, with a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. It’s a hearty option that includes essential vitamins and nutrients from the beef, cheese, and vegetables. When enjoying this dish, consider balancing it with whole grains or fresh vegetables throughout your day to meet nutritional needs.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store leftovers, place the soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. It also freezes well; just make sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. For variations, feel free to add in some veggies like peas or carrots, or switch up the cheese type for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Give this Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup a try! It’s an easy, satisfying recipe that you and your family will love. Don’t forget to share your experience and variations; we’d love to hear how you made this heartwarming soup your own!

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove before serving.

2. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape, such as shells or penne, depending on your preference.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free macaroni and ensuring that the beef broth is also gluten-free.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?
You can add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for an extra kick.

5. What can I serve with this soup?
It’s great on its own, but you can serve it alongside garlic bread, a side salad, or even some sweet cornbread for a delightful meal.

Print Recipe

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

A warm and hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy macaroni and rich broth, perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cheeseburger Soup, comfort food, Family Recipes, Macaroni Soup, Quick Dinner

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 550kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Juicy and flavorful, the base of our soup.
• 1 medium onion, chopped Adds an aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced A fragrant touch that elevates the flavors.
• 3 cups beef broth Rich and savory, bringing body to our soup.
• 1.5 cups milk (whole or 2%) Creamy goodness that gives a luxurious mouthfeel.
• 1.5 cups uncooked elbow macaroni The comforting staple that makes every bite hearty.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Melty, gooey, and delightfully cheesy.
• 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Adds extra stretch and creaminess to the mix.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce For that little kick of umami flavor.
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing) Helps add richness and prevent sticking.
• to taste Salt and pepper Essential for enhancing all the dynamic flavors.
• to taste Crushed potato chips or croutons (optional topping) For a delightful crunch.
• to taste Extra shredded cheese (optional topping) Because you can never have enough cheese!
• to taste Fresh chopped parsley (optional topping) A vibrant touch to brighten the bowl.

Instructions

Preparation

• In a large pot, over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess grease, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
• Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, letting the aromas fill your kitchen.
• Pour in the beef broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce into the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Mix in the uncooked elbow macaroni and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the soup is well blended.
• Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until they are fully melted and create a creamy texture.
• If you find the soup too thick, thin it out with additional beef broth or milk. Give it a taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you like, top with crushed potato chips, extra shredded cheese, and fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

To enhance the soup, consider sautéing the onions and garlic until golden brown before adding the beef. You can also make a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils, and using vegetable broth. For an extra layer of flavor, spice it up with some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. The soup can be served as a hearty dinner option or a cozy lunch.