If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to serve on a chilly evening, this macaroni cheeseburger soup recipe has you covered. It’s hearty, creamy, and filled with everyone’s favorite flavors. Think cheesy goodness, savory beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, velvety soup base that will have your family asking for seconds! Plus, it’s an easy recipe perfect for weeknight cooking or meal prepping. Let’s dig into this simple yet heavenly recipe.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Cooking up this delicious macaroni cheeseburger soup doesn’t take long! Here’s a quick rundown of how much time you’ll need to plan:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This means you’ll have a warm bowl of comfort food soup ready in under an hour, perfect for those busy days when you want something filling yet stress-free.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Cooking
Ensuring a smooth cooking process starts with having the right tools in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your macaroni cheeseburger soup with ease:
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: For cooking your soup evenly.
- Ladle: To scoop and serve the soup like a pro.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For prepping veggies and other ingredients.
- Cheese Grater: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes amazing!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in measurements.
- Colander: To drain the macaroni perfectly without making a mess.
With these tools on hand, you’ll breeze through making this easy homemade soup without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start, gather the following ingredients for the macaroni cheeseburger soup. These pantry staples make this dish hearty and flavorful:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup macaroni pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk (whole milk works best)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping!)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
These ingredients are not only simple but versatile, making this cheeseburger-inspired soup a new family favorite!
Step-By-Step Directions to Make Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the macaroni pasta until al dente. Once done, drain it, toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it into small crumbles, cooking until no longer pink. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Melt the butter in the same pot. Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrots, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This forms the flavor-packed base for our soup.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings, including paprika and chili powder if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Add Milk and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the milk and gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted into a creamy, rich soup base.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Stir the cooked ground beef and macaroni into the soup pot. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until everything is warmed through and combined beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls, sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar on top, and maybe a touch of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
And there you have it! A steaming bowl of macaroni cheeseburger soup ready to be devoured.
Why This Soup Is a Crowd-Pleaser?
This family-friendly recipe hits all the right notes. The creamy, cheesy broth pairs perfectly with savory beef, while the tender macaroni adds a satisfying texture. Plus, the addition of vegetables like carrots and onions balances out the flavors and nutrition. It’s an easy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
You can even customize the recipe based on your preferences. Want to add some heat? Toss in extra chili powder or diced jalapeños. Looking for more veggies? Stir in peas, corn, or spinach. This truly is one of the best versatile soup recipes out there.
Tips for Perfect Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Macaroni
Cooking the pasta separately helps maintain its texture. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the soup! - Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Invest in a block of cheddar for the creamiest results. - Double the Recipe for Leftovers
This soup tastes even better the next day! Save yourself time by cooking extra and refrigerating it in an airtight container. - Freeze for Future Meals
Want a quick meal down the road? Freeze individual portions of the soup (without the macaroni) and reheat later. Simply add cooked pasta after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your macaroni cheeseburger soup with some crusty bread or a side of garlic toast for a dunking experience. A fresh garden salad also complements this dish beautifully, offering a light contrast to the creamy soup. And if you’re feeling indulgent, top the soup with crispy bacon bits or fried onions for extra pizzazz.
Final Thoughts
This macaroni cheeseburger soup recipe combines the best of comfort food with an easy-to-follow process that will delight your family and friends. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an irresistible addition to your dinner menu. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone who loves easy soup recipes, this dish is sure to satisfy.
With every bite of this cheesy, beefy soup, you’ll feel the warmth and joy of home-cooked goodness. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
Meta Description
Discover how to make the ultimate macaroni cheeseburger soup recipe in just 45 minutes! This creamy, hearty comfort food is packed with cheese, beef, and tender macaroni – perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Enjoy this family-friendly soup recipe today.
Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting, creamy dish packed with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and tender macaroni. It’s like a cheeseburger in a bowl—perfect for a cozy meal!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef 🍔
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained 🍅
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- ¼ cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
✔ Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess grease.
✔ Sauté the Aromatics
- Add onions and garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3 minutes until onions are softened.
✔ Build the Soup Base
- Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
✔ Cook the Macaroni
- Add uncooked macaroni and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
✔ Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese until melted and smooth. If the soup is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in to thicken.
✔ Finish & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm!
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days (pasta may absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating).
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Freezing: Best without pasta; add cooked macaroni after reheating.
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Variations: Swap beef for ground turkey for a leaner option!
